§ Mr. Adleyasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will list the number of offshore tests for oil currently being (a) conducted and (b) contemplated, if known, off the following counties: Avon, Devon, Dorset, Cornwall, Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Somerset and Sussex.
§ Mr. Mabon:Two mobile drilling rigs are preparing to commence operations in blocks 72/10, 170 miles south-west of Falmouth, and 98/22, 25 miles south of the Isle of Wight.
In addition, consent to drill exploratory test holes have been issued for blocks 484W 87/12, 40 miles south of Falmouth and 98/23, 25 miles south of the Isle of Wight.
An application for drilling consent has been received recently for block 86/18, 45 miles south of Falmouth, but consent has not yet been issued.