§ Mr. Hannamasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he has completed his consideration of the applications for onshore exploration licences.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithI have today announced the conditional award of 74 new-style exploration licences for blocks in England, Scotland and Wales. The new style exploration licence allows companies to search and drill for petroleum. However, these rights are not automatic; operator's plans are subject to planning controls and my consent is needed to drill any well. That consent will not be given unless planning permission has been obtained and I am satisfied about the detailed engineering of the well.
Details of the awards, which include the interim awards announced on 12 December 1985, have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.