§ Mr. Michael BrownTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what discussions he has had with Northern Ireland Electricity about the privatisation of the company; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ViggersNone as yet. However, NIE is aware of the Government's commitment to the privatisation of the electricity supply industry throughout the United Kingdom and that it is our intention to examine the prospects of privatising NIE after a decision has been taken on the next phase of generating capacity in the Province.
§ Mr. Michael BrownTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to publish a White Paper on the privatisation of electricity in Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. ViggersNone at present. Our immediate priority is the determination of the current competition between Antrim Power Company Limited (a private consortium) and Northern Ireland Electricity for the provision of the next phase of generating capacity in the Province.