§ 27. Mr. Coombsasked the Secretary of State for Energy how many onshore oilfields are currently in production.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithThere are 10 onshore oilfields in production.
§ Mr. CoombsI thank my right hon. Friend for that answer. At this stage can he give any forecasts of growth, either in the number of fields or the level of production? Can he also assure my constituents who may travel in the north Wiltshire area that, in the likely event of explorations continuing in that area, those explorations will be subject to the most rigorous environmental control, so that they will be able to continue to enjoy the beautiful countryside surrounding Swindon?
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithThere is no doubt that there is considerable scope for the development of this resource, but I am concerned that we carry forward that development in a sensible way which takes proper account of the environmental interests as well. I am sensitive to those interests, which is why I hope that the review of onshore licensing arrangements which I recently announced, and which has been generally welcomed by the interests concerned, will help towards a better procedure and understanding of what is involved.
§ Mr. RowlandsWill the right hon. Gentleman also make available to the House the details of the sale of Wytch farm—a major onshore oilfield—in which there seems to be an inbuilt disincentive to production in as much as the Dorset Bidding G roup would have to pay a large sum of money once it reached a certain level of production?
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithMy right hon. Friend has already answered the hon. Gentleman's question.