§ Mr. Lubbockasked the Minister of Power it he will give an estimate of the quantities of natural gas available to the Gas Council from each of the fields in the North Sea and from Lockton in the year 1969–70; and if he will also estimate the quantities available from each field when full production rates have been attained.
§ Mr. MasonEstimated availability of North Sea gas in the supply year beginning 1st Octber, 1969, is about 850 million cubic ft. per day (M.C.F.D.). I cannot forecast supplies from the different fields.
Total availability under existing agreements is expected to build up to about 3,000 m.c.f.d., made up of about 150 m.c.f.d. from West Sole, 600 m.c.f.d. from Hewett and the remainder from the Leman Bank and Indefatigable fields—which are to be produced jointly. The 477W exact level of output will depend on the reserves of gas in the fields, which cannot yet be estimated precisely.
As to Lockton, I have nothing to add to the reply I gave to the hon. Gentleman on 12th February.—[Vol. 777, c.344.]