§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Energy how many rigs are operating in the British sector of the North Sea on exploration work as opposed to development drilling; and if he will compare the figures for the past three years.
§ Dr. MabonAt the end of June 1978, 16 mobile rigs were operating on the United Kingdom continental shelf compared to 28 at the same time last year. However, now that mobile rigs are being used for development drilling as well as for exploration and appraisal, the number of such rigs is no longer a good indicator of the level of exploration and appraisal activity. A better indicator is the actual number of wells drilled. During the first six months of 1978, 19 exploration wells were commenced. This compares with 67, 58, and 79, for the whole of 1977, 1976 and 1975 respectively. Full details of rig activity and wells drilled during these years is given in the reort to Parliament "Development of the Oil and Gas Resources of the United Kingdom 1978", appendix I, pages 37–41.
§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will compare the number of exploration wells currently being drilled in the United Kingdom with those in Norway and the Dutch continental shelf
§ Dr. MabonAt the present time nine exploration or appraisal wells are being drilled on the United Kingdom continental shelf. The corresponding figures for Norway and Holland are six each.
§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Energy how many exploration wells have been drilled on blocks granted under the fifth licensing round.
§ Dr. MabonTwo exploration and one appraisal well have been drilled on blocks granted under the fifth licensing round.
§ Mr. Dykesasked the Secretary of State for Energy when he now expects his Department will have completed the processes of consultation on the proposed sixth round of North Sea oil allocations.
269W
§ Dr. MabonI am in the process of completing the consultations, and will make an announcement later.