HC Deb 13 November 1989 vol 160 cc93-4W
20. Dr. Michael Clark

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what was the level of exploration and appraisal drilling in the United Kingdom continental shelf during 1989 and in earlier years.

Mr. Peter Morrison

The level of exploration and appraisal drilling so far this year compares favourably with that achieved in the two best previous years on record, 1984 and 1988. The numbers of wells started up to the end of October in each of these three years was as follows:

Exploration Appraisal Total
1984 91 69 160
1988 77 74 151
1989 76 65 141

35. Mr. Burt

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what is the trend in the level of exploration and appraisal drilling in the United Kingdom continental shelf.

Mr. Peter Morrison

Up to the end of October, 76 exploration wells and 65 appraisal wells had been started on the United Kingdom continental shelf since the beginning of the year.