§ Rev. Ian Paisleyasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the negotiations regarding Kinsale gas for Northern Ireland; and when these negotiations will be completed.
§ Mr. Butler[pursuant to his reply, 4 July 1983, c. 28.]: The discussions have not so far produced agreement on the terms on which natural gas might be supplied to Northern Ireland. An early decision is required, one way or the other, particularly because of the importance of such a decision to the Northern Ireland gas industry and arrangements are in hand for an early meeting of Ministers representing Her Majesty's Government and the Government of the Republic of Ireland.