254Minister may require further information

254 Minister may require further information

(a) the grant of a petroleum exploration permit (otherwise than by way of renewal); or

(c) the grant of a petroleum production licence (otherwise than by way of renewal and otherwise than by way of grant under section 179); or

(d) the variation of a petroleum production licence; or

(e) the grant or variation of an infrastructure licence; or

(f) the grant or variation of a pipeline licence.

(2) The Minister may, by written notice given to the applicant, require the applicant to give the Minister, within the period specified in the notice, further information in connection with the application.

(5) A reference in this section to taking action in relation to the application includes a reference to giving an offer document in relation to the application.

(6) If an application for the grant of a petroleum production licence has been made under section 164 or 166 then—

(a) if the Minister does not require the applicant to give further information under subsection (2)—the Minister must, within 30 days after the application was made, determine whether or not sufficient information has been received to determine the application; or

(b) if the Minister requires the applicant to give further information under subsection (2)—the Minister must, within 30 days after receiving the information, determine whether or not sufficient information has been received to determine the application.

(7) If, under subsection (6), the Minister determines that sufficient information has been provided, the Minister must issue the applicant with a notice to that effect specifying the last date on which information was provided.

(8) The issuing of a notice under subsection (7) does not prevent the Minister from later requiring further information under subsection (2). However, the later requirement does not affect the notice under subsection (7).

(9) If an application covered by subsection (6)—

(a) lapses; or

(b) is withdrawn; or

(c) is refused—

any notice issued under subsection (7) in relation to that application is taken never to have been issued.