§ Mr. OppenheimTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy how many new applications have been received for onshore oil licences; and how many have been granted for the last 12 months.
§ Mr. Peter MorrisonDuring the past 12 months, my Department received 78 applications in response to the announcement of the second onshore round, and awarded 60 new exploration licences. For further details, I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given on 3 March at columns 650–51. One appraisal licence was also awarded. On 28 July, a further conversion opportunity for holders of old-style exploration licences was announced at column 487. Six applications have been received and are currently being considered.