To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many kilometres of mains gas pipeline is still considered serviceable of the remaining mains gas distribution network in Northern Ireland.

No repairs or maintenance works have been carried out on the mains gas distribution network since the closure of the former town's gas undertakings, so considerable degeneration in the former network can be assumed. Its precise condition could not be determined without a detailed and expensive technical investigation.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he will consult the Manx Government regarding their participation in any future project to pipe gas from Morecambe bay through the Isle of Man to South Down in Northern Ireland.

Consultations with the Manx Government are a matter for my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department, but no such project has been proposed.