§ 31. Mr. A. Robertsasked the Minister of Fuel and Power what success has been achieved in the exploration of natural gas in Great Britain; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Aubrey JonesAt Cousland in Midlothian and Heathfield in Sussex, where the presence of gas has been known for many years, the trial wells have not so far yielded gas in quantities sufficient for commercial production. Two wells in Ashdown Forest have similarly yielded only small quantities of gas. Attention is at present being concentrated chiefly on Yorkshire where work has begun on a deep well at Hunmanby, north-west of Bridlington.
§ Mr. RobertsIs the search for natural gas being intensified?
§ Mr. JonesThe programme set out for itself by the Gas Council was a five-year programme. Since only between two and three years have elapsed, it is premature to draw final conclusions.