§ 57. Mr. Oakesasked the Minister of Power what evidence he has received of the existence of supplies of natural gas under the Irish Sea; and what plans he has for the exploration of these supplies.
§ Mr. MarshIt is known that there are sedimentary rocks under the Irish Sea, but the presence of natural gas can only be established by drilling. Thirteen licences to prospect and one to produce oil and gas have been issued. Gulf Oil (Great Britain) Ltd., in association with the National Coal Board hold the production licence and are carrying out a further survey off the Lancashire coast.