HC Deb 09 December 1991 vol 200 c600
12. Mr. Wareing

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he will make a statement on the latest situation in respect of oil and gas exploration in and around the Irish sea.

Mr. Moynihan

Since the beginning of 1990, a total of 13 exploration and four appraisal wells have been drilled in that part of the United Kingdom sector of the Irish sea generally known as the Manx basin. In addition, four exploration wells have been drilled in surrounding onshore areas of Great Britain. Four significant gas discoveries and one significant oil discovery, all offshore, have been announced resulting from this activity.

Mr. Wareing

Does the Minister agree about the urgent need to exploit the resources of the Irish sea, in the hope that there will soon be a Government who will not dissipate the revenues from such exploration, as happened so tragically in regard to the North sea? Will the hon. Gentleman give an assurance, which is urgently needed on Merseyside, that every effort will be made to ensure that contracts for Irish sea exploration are given to firms in the north-west of England in general and to Merseyside in particular?

Mr. Moynihan

I have no doubt that companies in that area which have proven expertise will be in a strong position to win contracts on merit.