HL Deb 18 July 1979 vol 401 c1496WA
Lord KENNET

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether, in allowing flaring of associated gas from oil wells in the North Sea, they are under the impression that present shortages of crude oil are temporary and will not get worse, and if so, on what grounds they are basing such optimism, and for how long the flaring is to be allowed.

The Earl of GOWRIE

With the exception of the two smallest oilfields (Auk and Argyll), associated gas flaring consents for United Kingdom Continental Shelf oilfields expire on 30th September 1979. Consents thereafter will reflect the circumstances of individual fields and the Government's determination to avoid unnecessary flaring of associated gas as well as wider considerations, such as crude oil supply.