§ Mr. Michael Brownasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether the Government intend to restore the electricity inter-connector between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
§ Mr. Humphrey AtkinsYes. The electricity interconnecter between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland has been out of action since 1975 as a result of repeated terrorist activity, which has so far also prevented its restoration. Restoration of the link would result in substantial benefit not only to Northern Ireland but also, as the Government of the Republic have made clear, to the people of the Republic of Ireland as well. There is close agreement between both Governments on this subject and I have no hesitation in supporting the recent statement by the Government of the Republic which condemned the intimidation of Northern Ireland Electricity Service workers engaged on repairing this link, and indicated our joint determination to restore and maintain it.