HC Deb 02 March 1977 vol 927 cc215-6W
Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for Energy whether he is considering pro-rationing of oil in the North Sea to conserve associated gas from being flared, or whether he is prepared to flare extensive quantities of this gas due to the absence of a pipeline to the shore grid.

Dr. J. Dickson Mabon

In considering each application for consent to flare gas we take into account all relevant factors, including the findings of the Williams-Merz study of gas pipeline systems in the North Sea. Producers are left in no doubt about the importance that we attach to their ensuring that the amount of gas flared is kept to an absolute minimum.