HC Deb 19 November 1973 vol 864 c306W
57. Mr. Grimond

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what are the latest estimates of the date when North Sea oil will begin to flow to Scotland in convenient quantities; and what is the latest estimate of the reserves in the British sector of the North Sea.

Mr. Emery

The first North Sea oil to be landed in Scotland by pipeline is expected in the spring of 1975. Recoverable reserves of the fields now considered to be commercial are estimated to be about 800 million tons. If further appraisal drilling confirms that other finds already reported are commercial the figure could be higher.