asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether any interests have consulted with his Department on the possibility of commencing oil drilling operations on the Irish side of the median line in the Irish Sea; and whether any intimation was given to the Government prior to the commencement of drillings on the English side.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Oil Drilling Operations.
71.
A number of companies have shown interest in exploring for oil and natural gas in this country's area of continental shelf, including the Irish Sea.
I presume that the second part of the question refers to recent press reports that it is proposed to test drill for oil and natural gas in the British area of the Irish Sea, some fifteen miles off the Lancashire coast. I have received no official intimation regarding the proposed drilling.
Could I ask the Parliamentary Secretary whether the median line referred to in the question has been agreed between the two Governments? If this is not the case, was there divergence of view between them as to where the line should be drawn, did the British claim involve an area in the Irish Sea which we felt should be within our jurisdiction for this purpose and has that matter now been settled?
That would be a separate question.
It seemed to me that, as the question referred to the median line, the Parliamentary Secretary would know what that was.
Surely, it is a separate question?