HC Deb 29 November 1983 vol 49 c470W
Mr. Peter Robinson

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the total number of consumers who are in debt to the Northern Ireland Electricity Service at present; and how this compares with each of the past five years.

Mr. Prior

The total number of both current and former consumers in debt to the Northern Ireland Electricity Service at 31 March 1983 was 30,500. Comparable figures are only available for the four previous years, as follows:

Year ended Number
31 March 1979 58,000
31 March 1980 48,000
31 March 1981 42,600
31 March 1982 34,600

Mr. Peter Robinson

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the total debt owed to the Northern Ireland Electricity Service; and how this compares with each of the five previous years.

Mr. Prior

Total debt owed to the Northern Ireland Electricity Service at 31 March 1983 amounted to £7.9 million. Comparable figures are available for only the four previous years, as follows:

£ million
Year ended 31 March 1979 8.7
Year ended 31 March 1980 8.1
Year ended 31 March 1981 8.6
Year ended 31 March 1982 8.1