§ 40. Mr. Leadbitterasked the Minister for Energy what is the total investment in North Sea oil exploration ; what is the British proportion of that investment ; what results have been gained in new investment ; and what is the value of contracts for British companies since he set up the Offshore Supplies Unit.
§ Mr. Patrick JenkinThe companies estimate that up to the end of 1973 they have spent about £1,000 million on exploration and development on the United Kingdom Continental Shelf of which about one-third has been on exploration.224W A breakdown of this figure between British and foreign investment is not available. With regard to the last part of the Question, the information will be available when we receive from the oil companies the full returns of their purchases in 1973.
§ Mr. Roseasked the Minister for Energy whether he will seek powers to introduce a scheme for the mobilisation of resources to build oil rigs and accelerate development of the North Sea oilfields under public control.
§ Mr. Patrick JenkinNo, Sir. But any proposals from shipyards for the creation of facilities for rig building would be considered.