§ 29. Mr. NellistTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he intends to publish his Bill to privatise the Northern Ireland electricity industry; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HanleyFollowing an extended and thorough consultation period, I have recently authorised the draft Electricity (Northern Ireland) Order to be laid before Parliament. I anticipate that it will be printed and available to the House before the end of November. The draft order is based on the Electricity Act 1989 and I am convinced that it will bring lasting benefits to electricity consumers in Northern Ireland.