§ Mr. DafisTo ask the President of the Board of Trade under what circumstances she has the power to suspend oil exploration licences issued in the 17th round; and what would be the impact on public funds of such action. [3849]
§ Mr. BattleThere is no provision in the United Kingdom's petroleum licensing legislation for the suspension of production licences such as those awarded in the 17th Seaward Round. The circumstances in which 17th Round licences can be revoked are set out in Schedule 4 to the Petroleum (Production) (Seaward Areas) Regulations 1988 as amended.