§ Mr. Peter Robinsonasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what studies have been carried out into the viability of using lignite as an alternative fuel to coal or oil in power stations in Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. PriorThe Department of Economic Development has engaged independent expert advice to examine options for reducing the dependence of the Northern Ireland electricity supply industry on oil for generation. This study will build on the November 1982 generation strategy review of the Northern Ireland electricity service, but will also take into account subsequent work carried out by Coopers and Lybrand Ltd. on the economics of the use of lignite in Northern Ireland, including the use of lignite in power station conversions.