HC Deb 28 February 1983 vol 38 cc29-30W
29. Mr. Rost

asked the Secretary of State for Energy how many gas exploration and appraisal wells have been drilled in the North Sea in each of the last three years.

Mr. Gray

The number of exploration and appraisal wells drilled for gas in the southern basin of the North Sea, for the last three years is as follows:

Exploration Appraisal
1980 0 0
1981 1 1
1982 9 8

This is the only area within the North Sea in which wells are specifically drilled for gas; in other areas wells are usually drilled for oil, or gas condensate.