§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will list the North Sea development approvals between Hutton in August 1980 and Central Cormorant in April 1982; and whether the rate of approvals reflects any change in Her Majesty's Government's depletion policy.
§ Mr. GrayThe last new development programme to 'be approved was that for Hutton in August 1980. Drainage of the central area of the Cormorant reservoir through an underwater manifold centre is part of the development programme of the South Cormorant field which commenced operations in December 1979. Depletion policy remains as set out in the statement by the then Secretary of State for Energy on 23 July 1980.