§ Mr. BeggsTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when the private sector will be given the opportunity to develop Ballymoney lignite reserves.
§ Mr. AtkinsA prospecting licence for the Ballymoney lignite field is held by Meekatharra (NI) Ltd. Any development of the field would require a mining licence and planning permission. No application for either has been received.
§ Mr. BeggsTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assurances have been given to the owners of power stations in Northern Ireland with regard to the future utilisation of lignite reserves at Ballymoney for generating electricity.
§ Mr. AtkinsNone.