§ Rev. Ian Paisleyasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he expects the gas industry in Northern Ireland to start making profits; and what is his most recent estimate of the subsidy level required by the industry until it achieves the sales necessary to break even or make a profit.
§ Mr. ButlerIt is the Government's intention that on the introduction of natural gas towards the end of 1985 the new industry should be run on a commercial basis. Deficit support to the town gas industry—currently running at some £11 million per annum—will, however, continue to be paid during the transition period. This arrangement will be phased out in parallel with the introduction of natural gas.
§ Mr. Peter Robinsonasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the estimated cost of refurbishing the present gas network in each of the 13 undertakings in Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. ButlerMuch of the capital cost of the natural gas project will be devoted to providing new facilities. As far as existing facilities are concerned, initial planning indicated that the cost of refurbishing the network of distribution pipes would be approximately £12 million at October 1981 prices. These and other improvement costs will be further refined in the light of the detailed engineering studies which are being commissioned. It is not possible at this stage to provide costs for individual undertakings.