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33.
Mr. Skeet
asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will make a statement on the rising rate of offshore oil exploration.
Mr. Gray
There has been a substantial increase in the number of exploration wells started in the last five months, not yet matched by a pick-up in the number of appraisal wells being drilled. Thus, although the substantial decline in exploration and appraisal drilling which occurred in 1978 has been halted, it would be premature to say that the level of activity in this respect is yet rising.