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Mr. Woof
asked the Secretary of State for Energy what is the estimated current cost of the National Coal Board's ancillary activities in drilling oil wells.
Mr. Benn
During the year ended 29th March 1975 NCB (Exploration) Ltd. spent £9,683,000 on exploration wells in its search for oil and gas. This expenditure was in respect of the company's participation share in 15 wells drilled in conjunction with its co-licensees. During the current year exploration is continuing at a similar rate.