§ Sir Michael GryllsTo ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will set out his powers in respect of cancelling or refusing licences if an oil company takes over another.
§ Mr. Heseltine[holding answer 6 May 1994]: If an oil company takes over another which has a petroleum licence, this would constitute a change of control of that licensee. A change of control of a licensee might, in certain circumstances, trigger the Secretary of State's power to revoke the licence. If an oil company takes over another company which has applied for a licence, such an application would be treated on its merits. Under the relevant legislation the Secretary of State has power to grant licences to such persons as he thinks fit.
§ Sir Michael GryllsTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what consultation has taken place with Her Majesty's Government with regard to the continuation of licences when an oil company takes over another.
§ Mr. HeseltineSuch consultations take place from time to time in relation to developments in the market. I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to him today, which sets out the Secretary of State's powers in the event of a change of control of a licensee.
Year Total Applications Independent Consultants Firm of Consultants Others Referred to Advisory Committee Department of Trade and Industy 1986 48 5 5 38 3 1987 83 4 15 64 5 1988 107 23 13 71 3 1989 138 7 13 118 5 1990 168 29 7 132 1 1991 46 6 7 33 2 1992 72 14 25 33 2 1993 51 17 7 27 1