§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will list the statutory provisions which apply to the ownership of oil and natural gas lying in areas beneath territorial waters.
§ Mr. GrayOwnership of oil and natural gas existing in place beneath United Kingdom territorial waters adjacent to Great Britain is vested in the Crown, which essentially derives its title from the royal prerogative rather than from statute. But licensing of such resources has been conducted under the provisions of the Petroleum (Production) Act 1934. The scope of this Act is currently under review.