Lord DUNLEATHasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether, in view of grave concern in Northern Ireland at the continuing 1684WA delay in a decision being made to proceed with an undersea pipeline connecting the Province with the Scottish gas grid, they can now give a definite commitment on the timing of an early announcement.
The MINISTER of STATE, NORTHERN IRELAND OFFICE (Lord Mechett)As my right honourable friend the Minister of State said on 1st February, the completion of the Government's review of Northern Ireland's total energy supply has been delayed because of the involvement of those conducting the review with other urgent work arising from recent industrial problems. My right honourable friend will announce the Government's proposals as soon as possible, but it is not yet practicable to give a precise date for an announcement.