HC Deb 30 June 1975 vol 894 cc304-5W
Mr. Alexander Wilson

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what were the unemployment figures for the Hamilton and Larkhall exchanges for each month from October 1974 to the nearest available date in all caegories.

Mr. John Fraser

Following is the information for the Hamilton and Larkhall Employment Office Areas.

veloping and producing oil from the North Sea.

Mr. Benn

The first oil from the United Kingdom Continental Shelf was landed from the Argyll Field on 18th June 1975. By the end of the year a further three fields are expected to be in production. Appraisal and development of other discoveries is continuing.

33. Mr. William Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will make a statement on the estimates of landings of North Sea oil over the next two years; and what further steps he has in mind to expedite the process.

Mr. John Smith

The annual quantities are indicated in the Brown Book. My center hon. Friend is examining with all concerned in industry means of ensuring that the forecast rapid build-up is achieved.

Mr. Tim Renton

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what his best estimate is of the total amount of public funds that will be required in 1975–76, and individually in each of the two following years, for the acquisition of up to 51 per cent. participation in existing North Sea licences.

Mr. Benn

The Government's aim in the participation negotiations will be to ensure that there is no net cost overtime to the nation, by arranging to recover its capital contributions, adequately remunerated, as quickly as possible. Until the present participation negotiations are completed precise forecasts cannot be meaningfully estimated.