§ Mr. Peter Robinsonasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will outline the various sources of income available to the Northern Ireland electricity service; and how much is obtained from each source.
§ Mr. ButlerThe annual report and accounts of the Northern Ireland electricity service for the year to 31 March 1983 show that the sources and amounts of income to the revenue account of the service were as follows:
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£ million Sales of electricity 236.6 Government tariff subsidy 53.8 Gross profit on sales of appliances 3.2 Other income less expenses 1.6 Training grants 0.5 295.7
§ Mr. Peter Robinsonasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the cost of each unit of electricity to (i) domestic users, (ii) industrial users, (iii) commercial users and (iv) agricultural users in Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. ButlerThe information is as follows:
Annual Consumption Tariff Unit Cost (pence/kWh) Domestic 3,300 kWh Standard 6.373 12,000 kWh (9,000 kWh Night) Day/Night 3.193 Industrial 100 kW Maximum Demand Medium Voltage Fuel at 4,750 pence per tonne (Nov. 1983) 20 per cent. Load Factor 5.767 2,500 kW Maximum Demand High Voltage Fuel at 4,750 pence per tonne (Nov. 1983) 50 per cent. Load Factor 3.986 Commercial 15,000 kWh Standard 6.353 20,000 kWh (15,000 Night) Day/Night 3.329 Agricultural 12,000 kWh Standard 5.912 15,000 kWh (12,000 Night) Day/Night 3.089 Note: The figures provided show average unit costs of electricity related to the annual consumptions and maximum demands chosen as typical for each consumer category. The unit cost (pence/kWh) includes (a) standing charges, (b) kilowatt hour rates, (c) maximum demand charges and (d) where applicable fuel price adjustments. References to "night" usage indicates the application of "Economy 7" tariff.
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§ Mr. Peter Robinsonasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans the Northern Ireland electricity service has for the second phase of Kilroot and power station west.
§ Mr. ButlerFuture planning for individual power stations depends on the identification of opportunities for diversifying the Northern Ireland electricity service's capacity away from dependence on oil. The Department of Economic Development has engaged consultants to advise it on options in this area. The consultants' findings will provide a basis on which informed decisions about the future of individual power stations can be taken.
§ Miss Maynardasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he is satisfied with the procedures adopted by the Northern Ireland electricity service to ensure that no discrimination is allowed against Catholic employees or candidates for employment in Northern Ireland electricity services.
§ Mr. ButlerThe employment practices of the Northern Ireland electricity service have been the subject of an investigation by the Fair Employment Agency in Northern Ireland under Section 12 of the Fair Employment (Northern Ireland) Act 1976. The Agency's findings are contained in their report of November 1982. Recommendations made by the Agency have been accepted by NIES and have been implemented.
§ Miss Maynardasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will direct the Northern Ireland electricity service not to request the Royal Ulster Constabulary to conduct security vetting of candidates for employment.
§ Mr. ButlerThe Northern Ireland electricity service is wholly responsible for its own employment procedures.
§ Miss Maynardasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many craft apprentices were recruited for the Northern Ireland electricity service during the period February to August.
§ Mr. ButlerI am advised by the Northern Ireland electricity service that 36 apprentices were recruited during this period.