§ 18. Mr. McQuadeasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what negotiations he has had with the gas undertakings and with gas consumers with regard to the payment of compensation pending the rundown of the gas industry in Northern Ireland as the result of his decision not to supply natural gas.
§ Mr. Giles ShawSince my statement of 23 July 1979, my officials have had discussions with all the gas undertakings except those of Belfast, which has deferred a decision on its future, and 335W Portadown, which was able without such discussions to announce its decision to continue in operation. My statement made clear that the Government would assist financially in the orderly rundown of those undertakings which could not continue unaided; detailed plans are awaited from the undertakings as the basis for such a scheme. Account will be taken of the problems of consumers who have to convert or replace appliances.