§ Mr. ButterfillTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy whether he will make an announcement about the results of the second onshore licensing round.
§ Mr. Peter MorrisonI have today announced the conditional award of 60 new-style exploration licences for blocks in England, Scotland and Wales. The licences allow companies to search and drill for petroleum, subject to the procedures of the planning system and the technical approval of my Department. Where the licences extend into coastal waters stringent conditions will be set to ensure that local interests will be fully taken into account before operations are undertaken.
Details of the awards have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.