§ Mr. William RossTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he expects to introduce a non-fossil fuel obligation for renewable energy following the privatisation of Northern Ireland Electricity; what form it will take; and how large the first renewable energy order will be.
§ Mr. AtkinsThe Department of Economic Development has commissioned a study into the potential for renewable energy in Northern Ireland and a decision644W when to introduce a non-fossil fuel obligation awaits the conclusion of that study. Before making a renewables order, the Department is obliged to consult Northern Ireland Electricity plc and the Director General of Electricity Supply and it would be inappropriate for me to comment on the likely form or scale of the first order in advance of that consultation taking place.