§ Mr. Hardyasked the Secretary of State for Energy what is his estimate of the number of years for which supplies of natural gas are still available from the southern basin of the North Sea, the current average cost per therm of this gas and the expected extra cost per therm which will be incurred for gas extracted from other areas of the North Sea whose reserves are next to be exploited.
§ Dr. J. Dickson MabonThe life of each field will depend on its reserves, its technical characteristics and the rate at which gas is extracted. On present estimates gas from fields under contract in the Southern Basin should be available for the duration of the contracts which expire144W between 1990 and 1997. Information on gas beach prices as the hon. Member knows, is commercially confidential.
§ Mr. Goodhewasked the Secretary of State for Energy whether he has called in any outside consultants to help in the study into the potential of North Sea heavy natural gas for petrochemical use, referred to in his answer to the Question of the hon. Member for St. Albans of 18th March 1976; and, if so, if he will publish their names and the reasons for their engagement.
§ Dr. J. Dickson MahonYes. It is clearly right that the Government should have the benefit of expert advice in this specialist field. A study was therefore commissioned from Chem Systems International Limited, who were chosen on the basis of experience, cost and method of approach after tenders from a number of firms had been invited.