HC Deb 24 May 1979 vol 967 cc1215-7
12. Mr. Hooley

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the policy of Her Majesty's Government about future energy supplies for Northern Ireland.

The Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Mr. Giles Shaw)

I recognise that there are important decisions to be taken on energy matters in Northern Ireland and a statement will be made as soon as possible.

Mr. Hooley

Is any study being made of the linking of the national natural gas system across the sea to Northern Ireland, and are any studies being made of alternative forms of energy, such as wind, wave or solar power?

Mr. Shaw

Dealing with the first part of the hon. Gentleman's question, I can say that studies into the gas pipe linkage have been made in very great depth and detail.

On the second part of the question, I am not aware of studies being intitiated on solar or wave power, but I agree with the suggestion that the hon. Gentleman is putting, namely, that the energy problem as a whole should be looked at before decisions are recommended.

Mr. McCusker

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that his initial reply is one that we have heard over the past four years? Has he had time to study the comparative costs of fuels in Northern Ireland as compared with costs on the United Kingdom mainland? Is he aware that the previous Government were prepared to do something about the problem? Are his Government prepared to do something about it?

Mr. Shaw

I am indeed aware of the problems which consumers in the Province face in relation to energy prices. Equally, I am aware of the specific problems of the gas industry, in which the hon. Gentleman has particular interest. However, I think that he would be the first to agree that these are very complicated matters. It would surely be wrong for a new Administration to come to this Dispatch Box with an early and instant decision about a matter of such fundamental importance to the future of the Province.

Rev. Ian Paisley

Nevertheless, will the Minister give us some idea of when a firm decision will be made? Does not he realise that the more that he postpones this decision, the more the gas industry in Northern Ireland is being destroyed?

Mr. Shaw

I appreciate that a decision is urgently required. It will not be unnecessarily delayed. Of that I am absolutely certain.