HC Deb 04 February 1991 vol 185 c13W
Mr. Evennett

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what progress has been made in 1989 and 1990 in reducing the number of fallow blocks on the United Kingdom continental shelf.

Mr. Moynihan

There has been very good progress. At the beginning of 1989, there were 125 blocks in the fallow category. Of these 104 were in the mature areas of the North Sea, and 21 in the higher risk and more difficult frontier areas north and west of the Shetlands. At the end of 1990, the overall total of such blocks remaining fallow was 41. The number in the mature area had been reduced to 29: a fall of nearly three quarters. In the frontier area, there has been a slower rate of progress, but here also we have seen significant new activity. The operators still holding fallow blocks have told me they expect to make further substantial progress during 1991. I welcome this assurance of their continuing commitment.