HC Deb 15 January 1976 vol 903 cc227-8W
Mr. Hooson

asked the Secretary of State for Energy whether he will make a statement on the progress of oil exploration in the Celtic Sea and the prospects up to the present date.

Mr. John Smith

In addition to seismic survey work, two wells have been drilled in the licensed areas of the United Kingdom part of the Celtic Sea; no discoveries have been made. Several promising sedimentary basins have been located in the area; further drilling will be necessary to establish whether they are petroleum bearing.