HC Deb 25 July 1991 vol 195 cc733-4W
Mr. Temple-Morris

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when Her Majesty's Government intend to initiate the sale of the four power stations to trade purchasers; and when he expects the sale to be completed.

Mr. Needham

The first step in the process is being taken today with the issue of the preliminary memorandum. Prospective bidders will be afforded a period of four weeks in which to register an interest. Following the screening of responses, the information memorandum, on which the firm bids will be based, will issue to competing bidders at the beginning of September 1991. On the basis of the present programme all bids will require to be entered by the end of October. Completion of the sale of the power stations will, of course, be subject to Parliament's consideration of the draft Electricity (NI) Order and I hope to bring this before the House before the end of the year.