§ Mr. John Evansasked the Secretary of State for Energy how many oil production platforms are now in operation in the British sector of the North Sea; how many are under construction; and what was the cost of each one.
§ Mr. John SmithOil production platforms, all of which have been fabricated in the United Kingdom, have been emplaced in the United Kingdom sector of the North Sea. One platform has commenced production drilling. In addition 529W a semi-submersible drilling rig, converted for use as a production platform, is in operation on the Argyll field.
A further 13 platforms are under construction for the United Kingdom sector. The cost of individual platforms is a commercial matter between the oil company and its suppliers.