§ 2. Mr. Doran:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy how many exploration wells were drilled in the United Kingdom continental shelf in the six months commencing 1 January 1990.
§ Mr. MoynihanFifty-six new exploration wells were started in the United Kingdom continental shelf in the period to which the hon. Gentleman refers. By the end of October the number had increased to 128, already the highest level of exploration drilling in any year since UKCS activity began.
§ Mr. DoranThe Minister and the Secretary of State are proud to boast about the level of exploration activity in the North sea. Later we shall have a statement from the 313 Secretary of State on the Cullen report, which will have expenditure implications for the oil industry. The Minister has had that report for three weeks. Has he considered what impact implementation of the Cullen report will have on further exploration activity in the North sea?
§ Mr. MoynihanOf course, Ministers have considered that point in detail. My right hon. Friend will refer to that when he makes his statement later this afternoon.
§ Mr. WallaceI welcome the news that the Minister has given about the increase in the number of exploratory drilling wells. Does he accept that that increased activity, together with the situation in the Gulf, improves prospects for North sea developments? Is he able to give any colour or detail to the House about a report in today's The Times of a further multi-million pound investment at the Sullom Voe terminal in Shetland?
§ Mr. MoynihanI am not in a position to give further details along the lines requested by the hon. Gentleman. I can assure him, however, that the high level of exploration drilling activity looks set to exceed 200 wells for the first time this year. From the end of October the number of new wells is set to increase from 128, as recorded in my answer, to 181. We shall make an announcement on each new major find as soon as we can.