Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, over what timeframe she plans to issue licences for the extraction of oil deposits under Sussex and Surrey.

Applications made for onshore licences under the 14^th Onshore Licensing Round are currently under consideration. The next step will be the publication of a consultation on the Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 and the Oil and Gas Authority aims to announce awards later in the year.