§ 12. Mr. Wyn Robertsasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he is satisfied 870 with progress to date in the exploration of the Celtic Sea for oil.
§ Dr. J. Dickson MabonAlthough no discoveries have yet been made, exploration is still continuing. It would, however, be premature to attempt a realistic assessment of prospects at this stage.
§ Mr. RobertsDoes the right hon. Gentleman agree that because the level of activity has been so low the licensees are unlikely to be able to complete their drilling programmes by the end of the licence period? Does not that cause him some concern? What will he do when the licence periods come to an end?
§ Dr. MabonThe sad fact is that, of the seven wells that have been drilled so far, six have been failures. The findings on the seventh have not yet been released. Up to March next year 14 wells are due for drilling. It is for the licensees to decide on the prospects of those wells. The Government are keen to see some findings here—and I include Cardigan Bay in that area.