§ Mr. BeggsTo ask the President of the Board of Trade how she proposes to protect existing jobs and promote increased long-term investment in the United Kingdom oil and gas industry. [29798]
§ Mr. BattleThe Government are keen to ensure that the optimum level of exploration and development of the United Kingdom continental shelf is carried out. To that end, the UK's hydrocarbons licensing regime seeks to encourage continuing investment in oil and gas exploration and production in this country and its continental shelf.