§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Energy what estimate he has made of the number of orders for production platforms likely to be placed in 1978, 1979 and 1980; and what is his estimate of those which will be placed with steel and concrete fabricators, respectively.
§ Dr. MabonAbout six fields are expected to reach an advanced stage of appraisal within the next two years, and some at least should give rise to orders for production facilities. There is at present a wide range of development options476W open to the operators, including conventional platforms, converted semi-submersibles, tension leg platforms and sub-sea completions. The type of facility ordered in each case will depend on the result of ongoing technical and economic assessments, but further opportunities are expected to arise for the steel platform yards. Prospects for large conventional concrete platforms remain poor. Considerable work is, however, being done on the use offshore of other types of concrete structures, and it is hoped that these efforts will result in orders.
§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Energy what is the total outlay that has been provided out of public funds for concrete platform sites in Scotland, including loans, grants, etc.
§ Dr. MabonTaking into account expenditure to date and current commitments on the Government sponsored sites at Portavadie and Hunterston, and regional development grants and selective financial assistance under the Industry Act 1972 to the privately-owned sites at Ardyne Point and Loch Kishorn, the total Government outlay to date is of the order of £29 million.
§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Energy what is the position of the Government North Sea platform construction site at Hunterston; and whether the Government propose to write off their investment.
§ Dr. MabonThe guarantee provided by the Government on bank loans has been invoked by the developer of the site and has been largely paid off. No order has yet been placed, but several prospective platform builders are interested in using the facilities, and negotiations to this end are proceeding. At present, it is not proposed to write-off the Government investment in the site.
§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Energy what is the position of the Government North Sea platform construction site at Portavadie, the number of orders obtained since the completion of the facilities; and whether the Government propose to write off their investment.
§ Dr. MabonAlthough no order has yet been received, we are in negotiation 477W with a number of parties interested in using this site for platform building. Accordingly, the site is being maintained in a state of readiness and it is not at present proposed to write off the Government investment.
§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Energy what is the position at the oil platform construction yard on Methil shortly to vest in Redpath de Groot Caledonian; what is the total of public funds invested in the works; and from what sources.
§ Dr. MabonConstruction of the Tartan platform at Methil in conjunction with UIE is well advanced and on schedule. Payments out of Government funds so far total £1.9 million in regional development grants. Arrangements for the formation of Redpath de-Groot Caledonian provide for the Scottish Development Agency to acquire 4 per cent. of the equity of the new company. This is currently valued at £250,000.