§ Mr. Hillasked the Secretary of State for Energy what additional financial help is planned by his Department following the meeting held between the National Environment Research Council and members of the private sector oil companies and industries for British involvement in the ocean drilling programme scheduled to begin later in 1984; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithThe programme is not totally relevant to my Department's responsibilities although it is soundly based scientifically.
The Department already has a major programme in conjunction with the British Geological Survey through the National Environment Research Council which is specifically related to United Kingdom petroleum exploration and development. In terms of our current effort we cannot justify giving the new drilling programme priority over our existing and committed work.