§ Mr. Wigleyasked the Secretary of State for Energy what is the total number of blocks designated for oil purposes in the Celtic Sea; of these, how many are currently let; and, of the ones let, how many have been developed to the extent required by their franchise.
§ Mr. John SmithA total of 130 blocks have been designated in the area, of which 35 are currently licensed. To date none of the obligatory drilling programmes under these licences has been met in full.