§ Mr. Barry FieldTo ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will set out the policy for issuing licences in an environmentally sensitive area where no deposits have been previously discovered.
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§ Mr. EggarBefore offering any area for licence, my Department consults a range of Government Departments and other interested parties, including fishery associations and the Joint Nature Conservancy Council. As a result of these consultations, some areas may not be released for licensing. Where licences are offered, conditions may be attached to protect environmental or other interests; these may restrict the timing and location of exploration activities. Licensees may also be required to consult local authorities and other relevant bodies before undertaking operations under their licence. Applicants for licences must also satisfy my Department that they are capable of carrying out their planned exploration programme with due regard to environmental concerns.