HC Deb 31 January 1972 vol 830 c11W
55. Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is his estimate of the proved reserves of oil and natural gas available to the United Kingdom from discoveries on the Continental Shelf; and how the production from these sources is likely to impinge on the market for coal.

Mr. Ridley

It is too early to give a figure for oil as first discoveries are still being tested. The current estimate of proved natural gas reserves is 32 trillion cubic feet. The future balance between North Sea fuels, imported oil and coal is uncertain.