To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what estimate she has made of the reserves of oil and gas in Falkland Islands waters. (79611)

Only further exploratory drilling will allow for a dependable estimate on the size of the reserves of oil and gas in Falkland Islands waters. Initial exploratory drilling was unable to ascertain the level of oil and gas reserves and is unlikely to restart before 2007.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment the Government have made of the potential contribution of the search for oil and gas in Falkland Islands waters to the provision of energy in the UK; and whether the Government are taking action to support such exploration. (79702)

Only further exploratory drilling will allow for a dependable estimate on the size of the reserves of oil and gas in Falkland Islands waters. It is not therefore possible currently to assess the potential contribution to the provision of energy in the UK. Initial exploratory drilling was unable to ascertain the level of oil and gas reserves and is unlikely to restart before 2007.

The Government are committed to the offshore prospecting policy pursued by the Falkland Islands Government.