§ Mr. McGradyTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment he has made of the effect of the privatisation of Northern Ireland Electricity; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Tim SmithThe privatisation of Northern Ireland Electricity has been a great success. Competition has been introduced to the industry, enterprising new companies have entered the electricity market, an effective regulatory regime has been established to protect consumers' interests, and NIE employees and consumers have been able to invest in the industry.