§ 1. Mr. Haywardasked the Secretary of State for Energy how many exploration and appraisal oil wells were drilled in 1978, 1982 and 1983, respectively.
§ The Minister of State, Department of Energy (Mr. Alick Buchanan-Smith)The number of exploration and appraisal oil and gas wells drilled offshore in each year are as follows:
1978, 62; 1982, 111; 1983, 128.
§ Mr. HaywardIn the light of that good news on the increase in the number of wells being drilled and appraised, what increase in employment does that represent, and does my right hon. Friend expect that increase to continue over the next three years?
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithIt is significant that employment offshore between 1982 and 1983 rose from just under 22,000 to nearly 29,000, which shows a big increase in activity. Onshore work is also encouraging and will depend on how competitive British firms are in getting orders.
§ Dr. GodmanAs most Clyde fishermen fish only in and around that water and hence have little or no experience of the incursion of offshore oil operations, what consultations have taken place with their associations on offshore activity in the Firth of Clyde?
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithMy Department has regular consultations with representatives of the oil industry. I am sure that specific discussions on the Clyde have taken place, but I shall make inquiries and write to the hon. Gentleman about it.