§ Lembit ÖpikTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, pursuant to the Answer of 11 June 2003,Official Report, column 957W, on the energy 197W industry, what mechanisms for reducing energy costs in Northern Ireland are planned to enable a more efficient means of financing energy assets and contracts; and if he will make a statement. [122807]
§ Mr. PearsonA working group of economists is examining a range of mechanisms, including a legislative low cost borrowing option, for reducing energy costs in Northern Ireland and is due to report shortly. The outcomes of discussions on the consultation papers "Competition and Customer Empowerment" published by the Regulator on 4 March 2003 and -Towards a New Energy Strategy for Northern Ireland", published by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment on 17 April 2003, will also shape future announcements in this area.
§ Lembit ÖpikTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what targets he has set for the working group set up to examine practical options for reducing energy costs in Northern Ireland; when the working group is due to report; and if he will make a statement. [122808]
§ Mr. PearsonI refer the hon. Gentleman to my reply to PQ Written No 122807. No targets have been set for the working group which is expected to report shortly.
§ Lembit ÖpikTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when the Government will make a decision on the introduction of legislation to reduce the cost of borrowing in the Northern Ireland energy market sector; and if he will make a statement. [122809]
§ Mr. PearsonI refer the hon. Member to my reply to PQ Written No 122807. A legislative low cost borrowing mechanism is one of the options being examined by the working group of economists which will report to me shortly.