Written question asked by Lord Boswell of Aynho (Conservative) on Thursday, 25 February 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 2 March 1999. It was answered by John Battle (Labour) on Tuesday, 2 March 1999 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dept of Trade and Industry

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, if his Department is requiring Elf Exploration plc to carry out further drilling operations in Poole Bay.

Answer: Mr. Boswell: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if his Department is requiring Elf Exploration plc to carry out further drilling operations in Poole Bay. [74055] Mr. Battle: The Petroleum Licence covering block 98-12 in Poole Bay was awarded in 1991 with an obligation on the licensees to drill at least three exploration wells. The first of these was drilled in 1993, south east of the location of the well currently under discussion. This was unsuccessful and the licensees asked for all the outstanding work obligations to be waived. A waiver was granted in respect of one of the wells, but my Department took the view that the other should be drilled in order to fully explore the potential of the licensed area. The current licence operator, Elf Exploration UK plc, has been preparing to seek consent to a further well to test a small structure which lies between the first well on the licence and the Wytch Farm oil field, but has now sought my Department's agreement to waive the outstanding commitments and relinquish the licence. This request is being considered and a response will be given as soon as possible.

Secondary information