22Grant or refusal of permit in relation to application

#### 22 Grant or refusal of permit in relation to application (1) Where an application has been made under section 20, the Joint Authority may: (a) by instrument in writing served on the applicant, inform the applicant that it is prepared to grant to the applicant a permit in respect of the block or blocks specified in the instrument; or (b) refuse to grant a permit to the applicant. (2) An instrument under subsection (1) shall contain: (a) a summary of the conditions subject to which the permit is to be granted; and (b) a statement to the effect that the application will lapse if the applicant does not make a request under subsection (3) in respect of the grant of the permit. (3) An applicant on whom there has been served an instrument under subsection (1) may, within a period of one month after the date of service of the instrument on him, or within such further period, not exceeding one month, as the Designated Authority, on application in writing served on him before the expiration of the first‑mentioned period of one month, allows, by instrument in writing served on the Designated Authority, request the Joint Authority to grant to the applicant the permit referred to in the first‑mentioned instrument. (4) Where an applicant on whom there has been served an instrument under subsection (1) has made a request under subsection (3) within the period applicable under subsection (3), the Joint Authority shall grant to him an exploration permit for petroleum in respect of the block or blocks specified in the instrument. (5) Where an applicant on whom there has been served an instrument under subsection (1) has not made a request under subsection (3) within the period applicable under subsection (3), the application lapses upon the expiration of that period.