Natural Gas (Supplies)

HC Deb 10 December 1968 vol 775 cc201-2

15. Mr. J. H. Osborn

asked the Minister of Power what consultations he has had with the oil industry and North Sea gas operating companies about the preservation of continuing supplies of natural gas to consumers, in the event of war and undersea attack on the source of normal supplies.

Mr. Mason

The continuity of supplies in the event of war is being studied by the Gas Council, and there are arrangements for regular consultation on defence matters between my Department and the oil industry.

Mr. Osborn

Will the Minister comment on whether or not there have been submarines in the North Sea while drilling has taken place and pipelines have been laid? What would be the situation if wells and pipelines were to be blown up, how long would it take to repair them, what facilities have we for storage of natural gas underground, and what is the security of our supplies?

Mr. Mason

The hon. Gentleman is frighteningly pessimistic. There has been one unconfirmed report of an unidentified submarine. The position of the gas pipelines has been published in the technical Press. Everyone who takes an interesl in these matters knows exactly where they are, and there is no secret about them.

Mr. Edwin Wainwright

Will my right hon. Frierd take this issue seriously? Is he not aware that we have coal under our feet and, as we allow pits to go out of production, we have to rely more and more upon fuel from the North Sea, and upon oil from other countries. Therefore if we allow the run-down of production in the mines we shall be in serious trouble in the near future.

Mr. Mason

Yes, I am aware of that, but, as I have said many times in answering previous Questions, I am keeping my eye on the manpower run-down in the coal industry and watching particularly the coal trends.

Mr. Lane

In view of the importance of increasing our insurance against this kind of risk by widening as far as possible the areas of successful search in the North Sea, is the Minister satisfied with the number of rigs at present at work there, since I believe that the number is substantially lower than it was only a year ago?

Mr. Mason

This is noticeable and it is understandable, because it is an exploitation of rig shortage. Once there has been drilling and possibly a scent. an appraisal takes place while the rig moves over to Norwegian waters and carries out drilling there. It is just a sensible use of the rigs.