HC Deb 13 July 1987 vol 119 cc336-7W
20. Mr. McCartney

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will make a statement on future prospects for the North sea oil industry.

21. Mr. Waller

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what assessment he has made of the effects of the recent stability of world oil prices at higher levels on United Kingdom continental shelf oil production and new offshore development.

Mr. Peter Morrison

The signs are that development activity is beginning to pick up again in the United Kingdom sector of the North sea; many oil companies are now concentrating on the longer term and looking on the North sea as a priority area, as clearly demonstrated by the response to the recent 10th round of licensing.