§ Rev. Ian Paisleyasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland by what percentage the cost of electricity in Northern Ireland was above that of the rest of Great Britain when direct rule came into operation; and what is the comparable figure at the latest date.
§ Mr. ConcannonIt is difficult to strike an accurate average figure, but in 1972–73, the year in which direct rule came into operation, Northern Ireland electricity prices were 3–4 per cent. below the average for Great Britain; in 1976–77 they were 35–40 per cent. above the average. The reasons briefly are: (a) the sharp increase in oil prices from £7 per tonne
Perinatal Death Rates (per 1,000 total births) Infant Mortality Rates (per 1,000 live births) Northern Ireland … … … 22.3 18.3 Eastern Health and Social Services Board … … … 23.2 20.8 Northern Health and Social Services Board … … … 19.0 15.0 Southern Health and Social Services Board … … … 22.8 17.8 Western Health and Social Services Board … … … 24.0 18.2 The perinatal mortality rate is the number of stillbirths plus deaths within the first week of life per 1,000 total births, live and still. The infant mortality rate is the number of infant deaths during the first year of life per 1,000 live births.