HC Deb 27 November 1980 vol 994 cc564-5
16 Mr. McCusker

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the percentage difference as at the last calculation in the cost of coal, gas and electricity in Northern Ireland as compared with Great Britain.

Mr. Giles Shaw

The information is not available in the form requested. Domestic coal prices in Northern Ireland are towards the top end of the range of mainland prices. Piped gas in Northern Ireland costs two to four times as much as in Great Britain, and liquefied petroleum gas supplied in canisters is cheaper in Northern Ireland. Domestic electricity costs 24 per cent. more than the average in Great Britain.

Mr. McCusker

As the Minister responsible for such matters in Northern Ireland, is not the hon. Gentleman ashamed to announce those figures, particularly bearing in mind that the unemployment rate in Northern Ireland is 16 per cent.—twice the national average—that personal incomes in Northern Ireland are three-quarters of the national average, and that consumers in Northern Ireland are denied their share of North Sea natural gas? What plans has the Minister to ensure that energy prices in Northern Ireland do not continue to rise faster than in other parts of the United Kingdom?

Mr. Shaw

I accept the hon. Gentleman's contention that the present scale of energy prices in Northern Ireland is unacceptable. That is why the Government have instituted a review, particularly of electricity prices, because that represents a larger proportion of the energy costs that are borne by householders in Northern Ireland.

Mr. Kilfedder

The Minister states that those prices are. unacceptable. Why, then, does he not do something about them immediately, bearing in mind that many old people depend completely on electricity and find it impossible to pay the bills?

Mr. Shaw

I must remind the hon. Gentleman that we have acted to hold down electricity prices, even to their present level. About £20 million has been spent to that effect during the course of this year.

Mr. Fitt

In view of the disparity between prices in Northern Ireland and those in the rest of Great Britain, has the Secretary of State taken into account that of all the areas for co-operation between this Government and the Government of the Republic of Ireland, this is one? The Government of the Republic would be anxious to enter into discussions on the question of gas and eletricity prices for the whole of Ireland.

Mr. Shaw

I accept the hon. Gentleman's point, and I intend to meet the Minister responsible for energy in the Republic within a few days.

Mr. Pendry

In view of the disparity in energy costs in Northern Ireland and those in the rest of the United Kingdom, has the Minister yet considered the suggestion made by my hon. Friend the Member for Pontypridd (Mr. John) that an overall public body be established to deal with the supply and distribution of all types of fuel in the Province? Will be also consider our suggestion that there should be a full debate on the subject before the Government close all the options without parliamentary approval?

Mr. Shaw

The committee that has been set up is primarily concerned with electricity distribution and supply. It is not concerned with total energy, although I accept the point that the hon. Member for Pontypridd (Mr. John) raised. I assure the hon. Member for Stalybridge and Hyde (Mr. Pendry) that there should be an opportunity to debate these and allied matters, in co-operation with my right hon. Friend the Leader of the House.