HC Deb 22 April 1980 vol 983 c113W
Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for Energy when the last discovery of gas was made within the vicinity of the southern gas fields on the United Kingdom continental shelf; and what is his analysis of the reasons for the poor response to exploration in the area.

Mr. Gray

The last significant discovery of gas in the southern basin of the North Sea was made in June 1976. Six exploration wells were drilled between that date and November 1977, but no finds thought likely to prove commercial were made.

I assume that the lack of further exploration reflects both the production licensees' views of the likelihood of making new discoveries in that area and elsewhere and their assessment of market conditions.

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