HL Deb 19 November 2001 vol 628 cc117-8WA
Lord Glentoran

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will negotiate with the Northern Ireland Assembly to implement a renewables obligation similar to that currently in draft for Great Britain or under a United Kingdom-wide umbrella. [HL1218]

Lord Sainsbury of Turville

As the noble Lord is aware, energy issues in Northern Ireland are a devolved matter. The Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment has recently published a Northern Ireland-wide consultation on forms of support for renewable energy in the Province and he will wish to consider appropriate support mechanisms in the light of the consultation. The Government will review the situation in respect of the United Kingdom as a whole in the light of any measures forthcoming to support renewable energy in Northern Ireland.