§ Mr. Home RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment he has made of the value to the Northern Ireland economy of an electricity interconnector with Scotland. [6678]
§ Mr. Ancram[holding answer 28 November 1996]: None. The proposed construction of an electricity interconnector is a matter for the private companies concerned, Northern Ireland Electricity plc and Scottish Power plc. I can say, however, that the interconnector of neighbouring electricity systems is in line with UK Government and EU policy and is a central feature of Northern Ireland's energy strategy.