HC Deb 27 July 1989 vol 157 cc808-9W
Mr. Maples

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he has any plans to announce a third round of onshore licensing.

Mr. Peter Morrison

I have today placed in the Libraries of both Houses a copy of a notice inviting applications for landward exploration licences in a third round of onshore licensing. The notice will be published in theLondon and Edinburgh Gazettes at the earliest possible opportunity. Applications will be invited for any currently unlicensed areas in the United Kingdom within the boundaries defined by the Petroleum (Production) (Landward Areas) Regulations 1984, and in accordance with the guidance given in the Gazette notice. In addition, holders of old-style exploration licences (XLs) will be allowed to convert them to new exploration licences provided that they are ready to carry out a drilling programme.

Successful applicants will be offered landward exploration licences under the terms of the Petroleum (Production) (Landward Areas) Regulations 1984. The licences will be offered for a non-extendible term of six years and will entitle the licensee to carry out seismic survey and deep drilling work, subject to the need to obtain consent from the appropriate mineral planning authorities.

Application forms and guidance notes will be available from my Department. Applicants will be expected to offer a suitable programme of exploration, which will generally involve both seismic survey and drilling work, designed to cover the whole of the area they are applying for.

Applications will be returnable on 17 and 18 October 1989. I hope to be able to announce awards within a few months thereafter.