Topic: North Sea Oil
As the summer draws to a close, the oil companies
remain optimistic about the prospects of oil flowing
ashore from new rigs in their North Sea fields before
their target dates next autumn. Assuming no un-
expected snags arise, they will accomplish their aim.
They have settled disputes and strikes among the
men and overcome various technical and political
problems; but recently the elements have caused
the worst hold-ups.
Abnormally high seas and howling
gales have prevented engineers from lifting essential
heavy equipment into position on the production platforms
erected off the Scottish coast. If this spell of
exceptional weather continues throughout the autumn,
it will be necessary to stop work until next spring, for
the oilmen know from experience that major operations
are impossible in the winter months owing to the
stormy seas. They are confident, however, that they
will achieve their object, provided the weather breaks
for just one day during the next few weeks.
The British Government is also eager for the
timely completion of these operations. Britain's
economic position will deteriorate, many think,
unless revenue from the oil rescues her from her
continuing balance of payments problems.
