§ 17. Sir J. Edenasked the Minister of Technology what is the estimated expenditure on Continental Shelf exploration and development by the National Coal Board and the Gas Council, respectively, in each of the next five years.
§ Mr. BennOver the next five years the estimates made by the two industries of average expenditure under current licences and in respect of known discoveries are: Gas Council about £5 901 million a year and the National Coal Board about £4 million a year.
§ Sir J. EdenCan the Minister say what proportion of that will be spent by Gas Council Exploration Ltd. or by any of its other subsidiaries?
§ Mr. BennI cannot specifically answer that question. I should draw attention to the fact that I am referring to current licences and known discoveries. This does not cover forecast expenditure under future licences. But I will consider whether I can give a more satisfactory answer.