HC Deb 27 July 1967 vol 751 cc235-6W
Mr. Hooson

asked the Minister of Power what licences have been issued for drilling for gas off the Welsh coast in the Irish Sea.

Mr. Marsh

One production licence to search for and get oil and gas in an area of about 500 square miles in the Irish Sea off Lancashire has been issued to Gulf Oil (Great Britain) Ltd.

Mr. Hooson

asked the Minister of Power what preliminary surveys have been conducted with a view to discovering what natural gas reserves there are in the Irish Sea off the Welsh coast; and if he will publish the results of such initial surveys.

Mr. Marsh

Gulf Oil (Great Britain) Ltd., carried out a pilot survey in April and May this year in the area held under licence by them in the Irish Sea. More work will be required before a worthwhile assessment of the prospects can be made. Information obtained from surveys carried out under licences is given to my Department in confidence.

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