HC Deb 31 July 1978 vol 955 cc2-3W
22. Mr. David Price

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what is his latest estimate of the proven reserves of natural gas and oil, respectively, which are known to exist within the terrestrial mainland of the United Kingdom.

Dr. Mabon

There are no known proven reserves of economically producible gas on land in the United Kingdom. There are several small discoveries but none of these is considered commercial at present. Known proven reserves of oil amount to less than 10 million tons, principally in the East Midlands and in the Wytch farm field in Dorset. Appraisal of the latter is not complete so that the final total figure may be subject to review.