Celtic Sea Oil

HC Deb 29 April 1974 vol 872 cc766-7

30. Mr. Dixon

asked the Secretary of State for Energy whether he will make a further statement about oil prospects in the Celtic Sea.

Mr. Varley

Seismic surveys in the Celtic Sea have revealed the presence of a number of promising geological structures, but until these have been drilled it is not possible to say whether they contain petroleum. The reported discovery of gas in Irish waters enhances the prospects of the area.

Mr. Dixon

If significant quantities of commercial oil are discovered in the Celtic Sea, does the right hon. Gentleman expect the necessary onshore installations to be in Wales and Devonshire or would they be more likely to be situated in Cornwall and, if so, would they be on the north coast or on the south coast?

Mr. Varley

I do not know the answer to that question, but a supply base has already been set up in Pembroke, which I think is in Wales. Others may well be necessary in the South-West if explorations are encouraging.