HC Deb 13 November 1989 vol 160 c99W
28. Mr. Hayward

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he will make a statement on the present rate of North sea development.

Mr. Peter Morrison

Exploration and appraisal drilling remain close to record levels and expenditure on new developments continues to recover following the collapse in oil prices in 1986. These results demonstrate the success of the policies we have pursued to ensure that investment in the United Kingdom continental shelf is encouraged and will be maintained in the future.

29. Mr. Siliars

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what are the latest estimates for expansion of exploration and development of oil and gas in the Scottish sector of the North sea.

Mr. Peter Morrison

I am confident that under this Government's policies the United Kingdom sector of the North sea will remain a substantial producer of oil and gas well into the next century. Exploration and appraisal activity remains close to record levels and expenditure on new developments continues to recover following the collapse of oil prices in 1986.