North Sea Oil and Gas

HC Deb 05 July 1976 vol 914 cc389-90W

Mr. Lambie

asked the Secretary of State for Energy when he expects to be in a position to give figures for 1975 in respect of the British contribution to the provision of goods and services for exploitation of the North Sea oil and gas fields.

Dr. J. Dickson Mabon

The Department of Energy has today published a booklet entitled "Offshore 1975—An analysis of orders placed", which describes and summarises the extent of the British contribution on the United Kingdom Continental Shelf. The main findings are that British industry has improved its share of the total orders placed from 40 per cent. in 1974 to 52 per cent in 1975. In those areas where we have the capability our share over the same period has risen from 55 per cent. to 66 per cent. Particularly encouraging is the increased share in the services sector, from 29 per cent. in 1974 to 41 per cent. in 1975. Expenditure for the first time exceeded investment, rising from £830 million in 1974 to £1,500 million in 1975. I have arranged for a copy of the publication to be placed in the Library.