HC Deb 21 February 1977 vol 926 cc410-1W
25. Mr. Ronald Atkins

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what percentage of the North Sea offshore pipeline market is supplied by British companies.

Dr. J. Dickson Mabon

In 1975, the latest year for which figures are available. United Kingdom companies supplied 5 per cent. by value of the pipe required for North Sea development. In addition, the United Kingdom supplied 69 per cent. of the well casing pipe required. At present United Kingdom producers have no capacity to manufacture the large diameter high grade pipe now being specified for subsea pipelines. British Steel Corporation has recently decided to enhance the Hartlepool pipe mill to provide such capacity.