§ Mr. Peter Robinsonasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much has been spent by the gas undertakings in Northern Ireland and the Department of Economic Development on marketing and promotion in each of the last five years; and how much expenditure is planned for this purpose in light of the forthcoming supply to Northern Ireland of gas from Kinsale.
§ Mr. PriorExpenditure incurred by the Northern Ireland gas undertakings on marketing and promotion in the past five years cannot be separately identified. Such expenditure was limited however because of the uncertain future of the industry. The Department of Economic470W Development does not have responsibility for marketing and promotion of town gas and has not incurred any expenditure.
Initially the Northern Ireland Gas Company Ltd. will have responsibility for the promotion of natural gas. An advertising agent has been appointed and the initial budget will be determined in consultation with the agent.