To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many recorded incidents, excluding those caused by weather, vandalism or damage caused by contractors, resulted in the interruption of electricity supplies to street lighting in Northern Ireland in the last 12 months; and what the average duration was of such faults to the electricity supply.

The Chief Executive of Roads Service has been asked to write to the hon. Member in response to this question.

Letter from Dr. Malcolm McKibbin to Lady Hermon, dated 19 January 2005

You recently asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland a Parliamentary Question about the number of recorded incidents and average duration of interruption of electricity supplies to street lighting in the last 12 months (209121). I have been asked to reply as the issue of street lighting falls within my responsibility as Chief Executive of Roads Service.

I should explain that while Roads Service is responsible for the provision and maintenance of street lighting, responsibility for the continuity of electrical supply to the lights rests with Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE).

Roads Service officials are presently liaising with NIE to obtain the details that you have requested, and I will forward the information to you in due course.

I hope this information is helpful.