§ 3. Mr. Holtasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he has yet reached conclusions on the exploration for oil and natural gas in south and east Cleveland; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Minister of State, Department of Energy (Mr. Alick Buchanan-Smith)Surveys have been carried out in the area under exploration licences. No recent exploration wells have been drilled to test the presence of oil or gas.
§ Mr. HoltDoes my right hon. Friend accept that that comment will be received with mixed feelings in the area? We should like to know how much more exploration there will be, so that we can try to bring to that area as many jobs as possible through the natural gas industries.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithFollowing surveys, proposals for drilling have to come from the companies involved, and they are subject to normal planning procedures. I agree that our onshore oil and gas industries can bring enormous benefits, particularly in terms of jobs, industrial experience and in other ways. I shall watch developments closely.