HC Deb 25 November 1974 vol 882 c7W
39. Mr. Alexander Fletcher

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will describe the basis upon which the total reserves of oil situated in the United Kingdom sectors of the Continental Shelf are calculated.

Mr. John Smith

Geological and geophysical data on the designated parts of the United Kingdom Continental Shelf are received from licensees. In other areas Her Majesty's Government purchase commercial data or initiative surveys through the Institute of Geological Scinces and the Hydrographic Department of MOD(N). The information is interpreted by IGS and Department of Energy specialists. The latter then makes detailed estimates of discovered reserves and evaluates potential reserves in undrilled areas.