§ Mr. Douglasasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will publish details of the number of wells drilled for exploration and production purposes in the United Kingdom sector of the North Sea since 1970; and if he will give details of companies which have yet to complete their drilling obligations for rounds three to six.
§ Mr. GrayProvisional figures of wells started on the United Kingdom Continental Shelf during the first 11 months of 1979 are 31 exploration, 13 appraisal and 95 development, a total of 139. The numbers drilled in earlier years are published in the "Development of the oil and gas resources of the United Kingdom 1979", the Brown Book.
There are no outstanding drilling obligations in respect of third and fourth round production licences. Obligations under three fifth round licences have so far been met, but none yet under sixth round licences; they are not required to be completed at the earliest until 1984 and 1986 respectively.
§ Mr. Douglasasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will make a statement on the deep-drilling programme planned for the United Kingdom Continental Shelf.
§ Mr. GrayDuring the summer of this year a feasibility study, to investigate the environmental, engineering and geological problems involved in drilling a well in the deep water part of the Rock all Trough, was carried out in which 12 organisations (drawn from my Department, BGC, BNOC and nine private companies) participated.
Following the results of this study the operator—BNOC—is now seeking to put together a consortium to drill the well in the spring of 1980.
If the venture proves successful further wells may be drilled in other areas in subsequent years.