Petroleum Act 1998
This section has no associated Explanatory Memorandum
3.—(1) Part 1 of the Petroleum Act 1998 is amended as follows.
(2) In section 3 (licences to search and bore for and get petroleum)—
(a)in subsection (1)(), for “Minister” (in both places) substitute “authority”, and
(b)in subsection (3)()—
(i)for “Secretary of State” substitute “OGA”, and
(ii)for “Minister” substitute “authority”.
(3) In section 4 (licences: further provisions)—
(a)in subsection (1)(e)(), for “he” substitute “the appropriate authority”, and
(b)after subsection (3)() insert—
“(3ZA) Before making regulations under this section the Secretary of State must consult the OGA.”.
(4) In section 5(9)() (existing licences), for “Minister” (in both places) substitute “authority”.
(5) In section 5A() (rights transferred without consent), for “Minister” (in each place) substitute “authority”.
(6) In section 5B(1)() (information), for “Minister” (in both places) substitute “authority”.
(7) In section 7(2)(d)() (ancillary rights), for the words following “included references to” substitute—
“(i)the Scottish Ministers, in relation to licences granted in relation to the Scottish onshore area, and
(ii)the OGA, in relation to other licences”.
(8) In section 8(1)() (power to inspect plans of mines), for “Minister” (in both places) substitute “authority”.
(9) In section 8A() (interpretation), after subsection (1) insert—
“(1A) The “appropriate authority” means—
(a)in relation to the Scottish onshore area, the Scottish Ministers;
(b)otherwise, the OGA.”.