§ 31. Mr. MossTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy what representations he has received on the effect of the Petroleum Royalties (Relief) and Continental Shelf Bill on the development of marginal oil fields in the North sea.
§ Mr. Peter MorrisonI hold frequent discussions about offshore developments with the oil industry. I am happy to478W say that I have had no adverse representations on the effects of the royalties Bill on marginal developments. Indeed, as I told the House on 30 November, Hamilton Brothers announced earlier this year that as a direct result of the Government's intention to abolish royalties in the southern basin it would develop the Ravernspurn north field.