§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Energy which North Sea fields are due to come into production between March 1982 and March 1984; and to what extent it is expected that completions thereafter will be sufficient to offset the fall in production from declining fields.
§ Mr. GrayThe following North Sea fields are scheduled to come into production between March 1982 and March 1984.
Field Estimated Date of Start-up North West Hutton March 1983 Magnus April 1983 Brae (South) Mid 1983 Maureen December 1983 Hutton February 1984 Production from North Sea fields is expected to peak in the mid-1980s and thereafter follow a gradual decline. It is not possible to forecast accurately production levels beyond the mid-1980s since this would depend on timing, ultimately recoverable reserves and sustainable production rates of discoveries which are not yet fully appraised and for which no approved development plans exist.