§ Mr. HendryTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what agreement British Gas has reached with Her Majesty's Government on obtaining exclusive rights to explore for oil off the Falkland Islands. [26584]
§ Mr. David DavisNo special agreements have been entered into between any company and either the British or the Falkland Islands Governments. The Falkland Islands Government are responsible for awarding licences to explore for hydrocarbons off the islands. They intend to seek expressions of interest in licences from all companies wishing to be involved in oil exploration.