§ Mr. Formanasked the Secretary of State for Energy if, on the same basis as his answer to the hon. Member for Bedford (Mr. Skeet) on 17 May 1976, he will indicate the source of past and current funds for the exploration and development of North Sea oil and gas resources, indicating the percentage contribution of (a) private capital and (b) United Kingdom Government and State corporations, to the latest available date.
§ Mr. BennTotal expenditure on United Kingdom continental shelf exploration and development to the end of 1978 is estimated at £10,700 million. Expenditure in this period by United Kingdom Government and State corporations was approximately £870 million, just over 8 per cent. of the total. The balance, nearly 92 per cent., was contributed by private sector bodies. Separate figures in respect of North Sea activities are not available.