Mr. John D. TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many complaints she received about Northern Ireland Electricity services during December 1998; what proposals she has to nationalise the electricity distribution systems in Northern Ireland; and if she will make a statement. [65485]
§ Mr. IngramMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State received some 30 complaints and inquiries about the disruption to power supplies caused by the storms in late December. In addition, the independent Director General of Electricity Supply for Northern Ireland, who has the statutory duty to protect the interests of consumers in respect of continuity of supply and quality of supply services provided, has received some 1,050 complaints and inquiries. The Director has sought a full and detailed report from ME by 31 January 1999 on the company's response to the problems encountered by consumers over the Christmas holiday period. The Secretary of State met NIE on 6 January and expressed her concern about the difficulties faced by consumers. NIE agreed to provide the Secretary of State with a copy of the report being prepared for the Director. The Government have no plans to nationalise the electricity distribution system in Northern Ireland.