§ Mr. Rowlandsasked the Secretary of State for Energy what information he has on the number of companies operating and exploring in the North sea which have deferred their exploration drilling and appraisal drilling in 1985 and 1986; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithOil companies, as a matter of course, regularly review their North sea exploration and appraisal plans. Some drilling programmes have recently been cut back, but although the full implications are not yet clear, there are no indications that drilling commitments under licence obligations will be affected.
My Department is keeping the situation under close review.
Royal Navy-Royal Marines Regular army Royal Air Force Ulster Defence Regiment Total 1985 September 90 8,548 1,000 6,451 16,089 October 88 8,717 988 6,503 16,296 November 86 8,677 989 6,478 16,230 December 86 8,583 994 6,508 16,171 1986 January 86 9,143 1,054 6,542 16,825 February 86 9,600 998 6,547 17,231 March 86 9,585 984 6,562 17,217 April 86 9,790 971 6,559 17,406 May 86 9,836 1,025 6,541 17,488