HC Deb 10 December 1968 vol 775 cc192-3
10. Mr. Gardner

asked the Minister of Power if he will make a statement on the progress made in the exploration for oil and natural gas in the Irish Sea; and what agreements similar to that in existence between countries adjoining the North Sea are planned between the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.

Mr. Mason

Several geographical surveys have been carried out and a geological bore-hole to test strata is being drilled by the Institute of Geological Science on the shore of Cardigan Bay. The National Coal Board and the Gulf oil company, who are joint licensees of a five block licence between Lancashire and the Isle of Man, have conducted detailed survey work and are now assessing the results. An agreement with the Government of the Republic of Ireland on the dividing line is expected in due course.

Mr. Gardner

If any discoveries are made in the Irish Sea, would it not be appropriate to go a little further and consider a joint public enterprise involving this country and the Republic of Ireland to exploit these resources?

Mr. Mason

I suppose that we are always open to suggestions of that kind, but it is early yet because we are only in the initial stages of exploration. The Institute of Geological Science is doing most of it.

Mr. McMaster

What survey has been conducted in the northern part of the Irish Sea and what discussions have taken place with the Government of Northern Ireland, which has a considerable joint interest in this project?

Mr. Mason

As I indicated, an agreement with the Government of the Republic of Ireland is expected in due course. Concerning exploration in the Irish Sea, in 1967 a seismic survey between the coast of Lancashire and Cumberland and the Isle of Man took place. Another survey of the southern Irish Sea has taken place this year. More work is planned for early next year by the Institute of Geological Science.