HC Deb 26 November 1990 vol 181 cc299-300W
Mr. A. Cecil Walker

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what has been the capital outlay for equipment which is already obsolete for phase 2 of Kilroot power station.

Dr. Mawhinney

None of the equipment for Kilroot phase 2 has been classed as obsolete.

Mr. A. Cecil Walker

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the total outlay expended to date on equipment already purchased for phase 2 of Kilroot power station.

Dr. Mawhinney

Northern Ireland Electricity estimates this to be £65 million.

Mr. A. Cecil Walker

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the approximate date when the decision will be reached regarding the commencement of phase 2 of Kilroot power station.

Dr. Mawhinney

Decisions on Kilroot 2 will be taken as soon as possible. A number of options which affect the timing are under consideration at present, in particular the possibility of developing an electricity interconnector with Scotland and the possibility of piping natural gas to Northern Ireland for electricity generation. Both issues are being progressed as a matter of urgency.

Mr. Hood

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he last met British Coal representatives to discuss Kilroot 2 power station; and if he will make a statement.

Dr. Mawhinney

I last met British Coal representatives on 14 November 1990. The discussion covered a number of topics including Kilroot 2.

Mr. Hood

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment he has made of the effect Kilroot 2 power station will have on transport jobs in Northern Ireland if it is not coal fired; and if he will make a statement.

Dr. Mawhinney

Over the past year I have had representations on this issue from Northern Ireland Electricity, the trade unions, Members of Parliament, Carrickfergus borough council and British Coal.

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