HC Deb 23 October 1973 vol 861 cc488-9W
Mr. Sillars

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what are his latest estimates of the output from North Sea oil by 1980.

Mr. Tom Boardman

The report on production and reserves of oil and gas on the United Kingdom Continental Shelf which I presented to Parliament in May forecast a most likely range of oil production in 1980 of 70 million-100 million tons. Recent discoveries should ensure that the lower end of this range is reached; with further discoveries in the next year or two it should be exceeded.

Mr. Sillars

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is the latest information on how many employees have been killed or severely injured while working at North Sea oil operations since work first started in this new industry.

Mr. Emery

There have been 29 deaths including 13 in the loss of the "Sea Gem" in 1965 and 214 injuries, excluding minor injuries.