HC Deb 03 June 1991 vol 192 cc10-1W
Mr. Pawsey

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what information he has on(a) the number and (b) the proportion of oil well fires in Kuwait which have now been capped; and whether any British company has been involved in a successful capping operation.

Mr. Moynihan

Our sources in Kuwait advise that around 600 oil wells needed to be controlled and that about 110 of these have been capped to date. No United Kingdom company has yet been involved in a well-capping operation. However, the Kuwaiti British Fire Group, a joint venture of AMEC, Taylor Woodrow and Wimpey, has been awarded a contract to undertake a damage assessment survey of a number of wells in northern Kuwait. It is hoped that this will lead to a major contract for the fire group to put out the fires and cap the wells in that part of Kuwait.

Mr. Dalyell

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy, pursuant to his answer of 7 May,Official Report, column 374, what are the interim results of the team of business men he led to Kuwait with expertise in the oil and gas industries.

Mr. Wakeham

The business men who accompanied me on my visit were very pleased to establish or re-establish their contacts in Kuwait. The most significant result has been the award of a contract to the Kuwaiti British Fare Group to undertake a damage assessment survey of a number of wells in the Sabriyah oilfield. It is hoped that this will lead to a major contract for the fire group to put out the fires and cap the wells in that part of Kuwait which could further lead to substantial opportunities for United Kingdom companies.

Mr. Dalyell

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what information he has about the discussions between Kuwaiti authorities and United Kingdom companies offering their services as fire fighters.

Mr. Wakeham

Initial contract confirmation has now been received by the Kuwaiti British Fire Group for the damage assessment survey of a number of wells in northern Kuwait.

Many other companies have had contacts with the Department of Energy through my Offshore Supplies Office. Information and contact names have been provided to the companies where possible.

Mr. Dalyell

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy how many Kuwaiti oil wells have been capped since his answer on 13 May,Official Report, column 50.

Mr. Wakeham

In the order of 14 wells have been capped since my answer to the hon. Member's previous question on 13 May.

Mr. Dalyell

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy, pursuant to his answers of 13 May,Official Report, column 50, and 7 May, Official Report, column 374, what assistance he has given to the Kuwaiti British Fire Group; and what reports he has received from the group.

Mr. Wakeham

I have kept in close direct touch with the Kuwaiti British Fire Group through my recent visit to Kuwait and a joint meeting with the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry.

My Offshore Supplies Office has maintained regular contact with KBFG both on progress of negotiations with the Kuwait Oil Company and in offering general assistance.

The KBFG has now received confirmation of the award of contract which will allow it to start work on the damage assessment phase of the contract on the Sabriyah field. I hope that this will subsequently lead to the award of a second phase contract to the fire group for the extinguishment of fires, well capping and restoration of the field.