asked the Secretary of State for Energy in which countries outside the United Kingdom he has authorised the British National Oil Company to search for and get petroleum, pursuant to section 2(4A) of the Petroleum and Submarine Pipe-lines Act 1975; and what condition has been imposed.

I have granted no such statutory consents at present. However, with my approval BNOC is currently involved in negotiations which may result in its participating in two exploration ventures overseas. Details are at present commercially confidential.