HC Deb 08 December 1980 vol 995 c224W
Mr. Hardy

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what is his estimate of the number of exploration wells which have been or will be drilled in British territorial waters in 1980 and the number drilled in each of the last 10 years.

Mr. Gray

Between 33 and 35 exploration wells are estimated to be drilled or started on the United Kingdom continental shelf in 1980. The number of exploration wells drilled on the United Kingdom continental shelf in each of the last 10 years is as follows:

1970 22
1971 24
1972 33
1973 42
1974 67
1775 79
1976 58
1977 67
1978 37
1979 33