asked the Secretary of State for Energy whether he is prepared to introduce a code of practice on depletion policy and relegate the exercise of his functions to an independent conservation board.

No. The framing and implementation of depletion policy in the national interest rests properly with Government. I would refer the hon. Member to my answer of 6th December 1974 in which I laid down the guidelines within which the proposed powers to control depletion would be exercised.