HC Deb 14 January 1985 vol 71 cc9-10W
Mr. A. Cecil Walker

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will reconsider the decision to increase the price of gas in the Greater Belfast area by 8.5 per cent. in the light of current rates of inflation and the large proportion of domestic consumers in Northern Ireland who are either senior citizens or unemployed.

Dr. Boyson

The rules governing payment of a subsidy to meet the deficit incurred by the city's gas undertaking require that a price increase is implemented by the city council at least equal to increases in gas manufacturing

Mr. Goodlad

Yes. The subsidiary arrangements came into force in August 1978.