§ Mr. Shersbyasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will enter into discussions with the major oil companies with a view to framing proposals for the exploration of the British waters surrounding the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands to reassess the availability of hydrocarbon resources; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MellorIt would be premature for me to do so at present. So far as the Falkland Islands are concerned, Lord Shackleton is currently updating his economic survey which covers the potential for hydrocarbon exploration.