§ Mr. Powleyasked the Secretary of State for Energy what arrangements he is making for the award of further onshore exploration licences.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithI have today placed in the Libraries of both Houses copies of the text announcing the invitation to apply for landward petroleum licences. The invitation is directed only to those with exploration licences awarded under the previous regulations and I have specified that applications may be made on 30 September 1986 and 7 May 1987. These are the transitional arrangements necessary to give the opportunity to such licensees who wish to apply for the new style exploration licences needed to proceed to the drilling stage. Any wells to be drilled on the new licences will need both the agreement of the landowner and occupier and planning permission.