§ Mr. Skinnerasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will release the updated forecast of the increase in gas heating sales accruing from gas bought from Kinsale, Ireland, to Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Adam ButlerIt is estimated that sales of gas for domestic heating purposes in Northern Ireland will increase to some 68 million therms per annum in the event of natural gas becoming available from the Kinsale field in the Republic of Ireland. No estimate is available of the increased usage of gas for non-domestic heating purposes.
§ Sir John Biggs-Davisonasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when Her Majesty's Government intend to conclude an agreement with the Government of the Republic of Ireland for the piping of natural gas to Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. Adam ButlerNegotiations are at an advanced stage with the Government of the Republic of Ireland about terms on which natural gas might be made available to Northern Ireland. It is not possible to forecast precisely when these negotiations will be completed.