§ Mr. Kilfedderasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what further measures he will take to promote the Government's anti-inflation and consumer protection policies in Northern Ireland, in view of the increase in food prices and 36W the increases in the cost of gas, electricity and coal in 1975.
§ Mr. MoyleThe Government's consumer protection policies in relation to food subsidies and nationalised industry tariffs apply to Northern Ireland. Food subsidies payable under the Prices Act 1974 apply throughout the United Kingdom, as do the controls exercised by the Price Commission under the counter-inflation legislation. The Northern Ireland electricity and gas industries are eligible for compensation in respect of price restraint last year—the final year for such payments.
There are, however, special problems in Northern Ireland for the bread, gas and electricity industries. Special studies affecting these industries are at present being, or about to be, carried out on behalf of the Northern Ireland Department of Commerce.