asked the Secretary of State for Energy if, pursuant to powers exercised under model clauses 15 and 16 (Seaward Areas) of the Petroleum (Production) Regulations 1976/1129, he for any reason defers development of a field where a commercial oil discovery has been made, what compensation is payable to the licensees affected; and how it is calculated.

The Petroleum (Production) Regulations 1976 No. 1129 contain no provision for payment of compensation if development of a field is deferred pursuant to the powers contained in model clauses 15 and 16.