§ Dr. John A. Cunninghamasked the Secretary of State for Energy whether any exploration for oil or gas of the Solway Firth-Northern Irish Sea area is planned; 501W what knowledge of potential resources exists; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John SmithNo production licences are currently in force for areas of the Solway Firth or the northern part of the Irish Sea. Data at present available indicate that the general area is geologically very complex and it is too soon to make a realistic assessment of its oil or gas potential.
§ Dr. John A. Cunninghamasked the Secretary of State for Energy what propoposals exist for the development of oil or gas terminal facilities on the west coast of the United Kingdom to handle possible resources from the Irish Sea; whether any definite decisions have been made for locating such facilities; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John SmithI am informed that British Gas has had preliminary exploratory talks with local authorities about possible Irish Sea gas terminal locations but that no definite proposals can be made until gas has been found in commercial quantities. Appraisal drillings are continuing in the area where gas was first discovered in 1974. I am not aware of any proposals for oil terminals.