§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Energy, of the 2 billion pounds considered to be required for the North Sea gas pipeline network what percentage of the total is scheduled for the purchase of pipe.
§ Dr. J. Dickson MabonThe Williams-Merz provisional estimate was that about 40 per cent, of the total capital cost of about £1.6 billion would be for the purchase and laying of pipe. A more detailed breakdown is given in Appendix B of the report. These and all other estimates will need to be reconsidered before a decision to proceed with the project can be taken.
§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Energy what proportion of the pipe intended for use in the North Sea gas pipeline network will have to be purchased abroad: and when he anticipates that the BSC will have capacity to manufacture pipeline of the required specification for use on the Continental Shelf for the movement of oil and natural gas.
§ Dr. J. Dickson MabonIt will not be known whether any pipe will be needed for a gas-gathering system until further detailed studies have been completed. I understand from my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Industry that the BSC already has the capacity to manufacture undersea pipe below 20 inches diameter and is carrying out studies into the possibility of enhancing capacity to include the manufacture of larger diameter pipe.