Written question asked by Mark Williams (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 29 November 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 4 December 2006. It was answered by Malcolm Wicks (Labour) on Wednesday, 6 December 2006 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Oil

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he expects to announce the award of licences under the 24th licensing round for oil and gas exploration; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: [holding answer 4 December 2006]: DTI is carrying out the appropriate assessment of the environmental effects of awarding licences on relevant conservation sites as required under the Habitats Directive. We are in the process of finalising the appropriate assessment and are considering the issues that have arisen some of which raise concerns regarding the possible environmental effects of potential awards. We are addressing these issues as a matter of urgency. It is important that environmental concerns are considered fully and as a result we do not have an exact timing for a decision on awards.

Secondary information