§ Mr. Beggsasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many gas customers have been lost in each of the last five years.
§ Mr. ButlerThe reduction in the numbers of gas consumers in each of the last five years is approximately as follows:
Numbers 1979–80 3,600 1980–81 20,300 1981–82 18,000 1982–83 8,800 1983–84 *9,600 *Estimate. NoteSource, "Energy Discussion Document 1983", Department of Economic Development, Belfast.
§ Mr. Beggsasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if Her Majesty's Government are committed to ensuring the future of the Northern Ireland gas industry.
§ Mr. ButlerFactors involving price and potential market have recently emerged which could adversely affect the prospects for the planned supply of natural gas from Kinsale to Northern Ireland. These factors are now being assessed to determine their long-term significance. Pending the completion of this assessment, it is not possible to comment on the future of the gas industry.
§ Mr. Beggsasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if liquid petroleum gas supplies could satisfy the needs of Northern Ireland domestic and industrial gas users.
§ Mr. ButlerLiquid petroleum gas is supplied by private sector firms. The extent to which these firms could satisfy the needs of Northern Ireland gas users would depend on price and other factors compared with those for competing fuels.