HC Deb 10 November 1969 vol 791 cc5-6
6. Sir J. Eden

asked the Minister of Technology what his latest estimate is of the total reserves of natural gas so far proven in the United Kingdom Continental Shelf.

Mr. Alan Williams

I estimate recoverable reserves at 27 trillion cubic feet.

Sir J. Eden

Do those figures include the Viking field? Does the hon. Gentleman agree that the fact that so much has already been established indicates that the search has been prosecuted with maximum speed and minimum cost to the taxpayer?

Mr. Williams

This is the most up-to-date information I have been able to obtain and I assume, therefore, that it contains the information the hon. Gentleman refers to. I agree that this is a very encouraging series of discoveries, and we look forward to even better discoveries, when, of course, we have public participation as well in the next stage.

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