§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Energy what is his most recent estimate of the reserves of natural gas in (a) the southern North Sea, (b) the northern North Sea and (c) off the West Coast of England; and what is his estimate of probable reserves in each of these areas.
§ Dr. J. Dickson MabonThe most recent estimate of natural gas reserves on the United Kingdom Continental Shelf was given in my Department's annual report "Development of the oil and gas resources of the United Kingdom" published on 29th April this year. This report shows total Southern Basin gas reserves as 711 billion cubic metres and total Northern Basin gas reserves, including Liverpool Bay, as 719 billion cubic metres. The report includes separate figures for proven, probable and possible reserves. There are no separate figures available for the area off the West Coast of England.
§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Energy what is his estimate of the natural gas reserves in Norway which could be linked to the projected Williams-Mertz pipeline to increase its viability.
§ Dr. J. Dickson MabonWe have no responsibility for estimating natural gas reserves in Norway. However, as announced in a joint Press release on 10th September 1976 the two Governments, through a co-ordinating committee, will exchange information on the progress of their studies into collecting gas on their respective sides of the median line and will consider the coordination of their plans.