§ Mr. Gordon Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for Energy (1) what is his current estimate of reserves of offshore oil; and what proportions lie, respectively, within the Scottish and English jurisdiction sectors;
(2) what is his current estimate of reserves of natural gas; and what proportions lie, respectively, within the Scottish and English jurisdiction sectors.
§ Mr. John SmithWe estimate that the proven and probable reserves of oil and natural gas in commercial fields in the United Kingdom sector of the Continental Shelf total respectively 1,160 million tons and 33.7 trillion (1012) cubic feet.
The jurisdiction sectors to which the hon. Member refers are defined by Order-in-Council solely for the purpose of applying the respective civil laws of Scotland and England and Wales to the United Kingdom sector of the Continental Shelf.