25Consideration of applications

25 Consideration of applications (1) Where, at the expiration of the period specified in a notice under section 23(1), only one application has been made under that subsection in respect of the block or blocks specified in the notice, the Minister may reject or grant the application. (2) Where, at the expiration of the period specified in a notice under section 23(1), 2 or more applications have been made under that subsection in respect of the block or blocks specified in the notice, the Minister may reject any or all of the applications and, if he does not reject all of the applications, may: (a) if only one application remains unrejected – by notice in writing served on the applicant; or (b) if 2 or more applications remain unrejected – by notice in writing served on the applicant, or on one of the applicants, whose application has not been rejected and who has specified as the amount that he is prepared to pay in respect of the grant of a permit to him an amount that is not less than the amount specified by any other applicant whose application has not been rejected, inform him that he is prepared to grant to him a permit in respect of that block or those blocks.

Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1981 24 (3) Where an application is made under section 23(2), the Minister may reject or grant the application. (5) A notice under this section shall contain: (a) a summary of the conditions subject to which the permit is to applicant does not: (i) make a request under section 26(1); and (ii) pay the balance of the amount to be paid in respect of the grant of the permit to the applicant or enter into an agreement under section 109 in respect of that balance.