§ Mr. Michael Brownasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether any soundings are being made to establish whether reserves of oil exist in Northern Ireland's coastal waters.
§ Mr. Adam ButlerThe Northern Ireland Geological Survey has been involved since 1947, on behalf of the Department of Commerce, in a continuing programme of work to compile the geological and geophysical information necessary to identify areas of potential hydrocarbon interest. One on-shore/off shore petroleum exploration licence has been issued by the Department and a further similar licence will be issued in the near future. The execution of these licences will involve the companies concerned in a geophysical and drilling programme designed to establish the true hydrocarbon potential.