§ Mr. Matherasked the Secretary of State for Energy what is the estimated cost of a gas-gathering network in the North Sea; and how much money has been spent on this pipeline study, and on alternative studies such as on gas production platforms.
351W
§ Dr. J. Dickson MabonThe WilliamsMerz study estimated that their preferred gas gathering system would cost some £1.6 billion. No other gas gathering studies have been commissioned by the Government, but further detailed studies will be financed and commissioned by the recently formed company Gas Gathering Pipelines (North Sea) Limited, comprising the British Gas Corporation and the British National Oil Corporation, together with some private sector participation. Costs of studies are commercially confidential matters between the consultants and their clients.