§ Lady HermonTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what procedures are in place to ensure that the energy(a)policy and (b)regulation of Great Britain does not discriminate against the Northern Ireland natural gas Industry. [18613]
§ Mr. WilsonThe energy market in Northern Ireland is separate from that in Great Britain. However, both the Department of Trade and Industry and Ofgem consult660W widely on all proposals and there is an opportunity for Northern Irish companies to comment if they believe they may be affected. Ofgem and DTI also keep their counterparts in Northern Ireland informed of relevant proposals.