I propose to take Questions Nos. 8, 29 and 32 together.
Four exploration wells have been drilled to date in 1989, all in the Celtic Sea. Three exploration companies were involved. One further exploration well is expected to be commenced shortly by one of these companies. Three of the wells drilled have been plugged and abandoned as dry holes. One well drilled by Marathon discovered gas which flowed on test at the rate of 29 million cubic feet per day. An appraisal well to determine the extent of the reserves present has also been drilled.
An evaluation of the gas find has been carried out by Marathon who have considered it sufficiently encouraging to commence preparation of a development plan for the field. Preliminary discussions on this are currently taking place with my Department.
I expect that at least four exploration wells will be drilled in 1990. I am hopeful that additional exploration wells may also be undertaken but the drilling of any of these will depend in the first instance on the evaluation of seismic surveys being completed by certain companies. The drilling of any appraisal wells will depend on the success of one or more of the exploration wells.
With regard to the question of encouraging further exploration, my Department is engaged in discussions with various oil exploration companies on an ongoing basis, and it avails of these opportunities to promote further interest in our offshore. Promotion of technical data is also carried out and made available to interested companies. Scientific studies on the geology of the different basins in our offshore are also undertaken and published.