§ Mr. Powellasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland why the car mileage allowance for members of the Northern Ireland electricity consumer councils is 162W substantially higher than that for civil servants.
§ Mr. OrmeCar mileage allowances for members of the Northern Ireland Electricity Consumers Council are the same as for members of the consultative councils in Great Britain. The rates for England and Wales are those determined by the Electricity Council and, while they are higher, at present, for low mileage users than the comparable civil service rates, it is established practice to apply the same rates in Northern Ireland. However, I shall consider, in consultation with my right hon. Friends who have this responsibility in England and Wales and in Scotland, whether there is an anomaly which ought to be corrected.