§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will compare the volume of gas flared in the North Sea for the last full year in which figures are available with the additional flaring required should the United Kingdom be obliged to increase oil output (a) by 10 per cent. and (b) by 15 per cent. to offset a supply shortage in the European Economic Community.
§ Mr. GrayUnited Kingdom continental shelf gas flaring during 1979 averaged about 18 million cubic metres a day. Further details were given in my answer to my hon. Friend on 21 February.—[Vol. 979, c. 257.]. All United Kingdom continental shelf oil fields are producing at or very near the rates judged appropriate to ensure optimal recovery; increases in production in an way comparable to those suggested by my hon. Friend would not therefore seem to be possible.