asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the places throughout the United Kingdom in relation to onshore oil exploration within the last two years where planning permission (a) has been sought, (b) has been obtained and (c) has been refused in instances where planning permission has been granted (1) work has commenced, (2) work has not commenced and (3) work has been completed; and if he will list those locations where oil has been found (i) in commercial quantities and (ii) in non-commercial quantities.

Details of planning applications relating to onshore oil exploration submitted to and determined by local planning authorities are not collected centrally. Within the last two years one planning appeal has been determined following refusal of permission on an application to drill an exploratory well. On 26 June 1985, Conoco (UK) Limited was given planning permission for this well at Normandy, Surrey. One condition of the permission is that work on this shall begin within five years. Details of company work programmes and results of exploration activity are not required by my Department.