§ 15. Rev. Ian Paisleyasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement concerning the gas industry in the Province.
§ Mr. Giles ShawI have at present nothing to add to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Armagh (Mr. McCusker) on 21 February. However, I hope to be in a position very shortly to announce specific proposals for financial aid towards the early run-down of gas undertakings which decide to close.
19. Mr. J. Enoch Powellasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the estimated capital cost, in total and to public funds, respectively, of making alternative provision consequent on the cessation of gas supply in the Province.
§ Mr. Giles ShawAs I said in a written reply on 21 February to the hon. Member for Armagh (Mr. McCusker), I cannot provide a firm estimate until I know what the Belfast gas undertaking and those undertakings supplied by it—which together account for 80 per cent. of towns gas supplies in the Province—intend to do. As I have today informed the hon. Member for Antrim, North (Rev. Ian Paisley), I hope to be in a position shortly to announce specific proposals for financial aid towards gas undertakings which decide to close. I shall then be better placed to give estimates of the sort which the right hon. Gentleman has in mind.