§ Mr. Skeetasked the Minister of Power, in view of the time needed to carry out detailed investigations of possible sites for gas underground storage, when he will recommend the introduction of a comprehensive Bill on gas underground storage; if he will state the total sums so far expended on exploration, drilling, and research; how much will have to be spent prior to the completion of detailed investigation; and in which areas exploration is being conducted.
16W
§ Mr. WoodI cannot yet say when it will be possible to introduce legislation. The Gas Council has spent about £1.3 million on the combined search for natural gas and underground storage formations, but it is not possible to make any precise allocation of the costs between the two. The amount necessary to complete the detailed investigation of potential sites depends on the results of the exploration programme and the number of formations identified as suitable for such investigation. Exploration is at present taking place within a broad belt of country between Stow-on-the-Wold and the Wash.