§ Rev. William McCreaasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the expected increase in the costs of gas and electricity to the consumer in the next 12 months in Northern Ireland; and how this compares with those in the rest of the United Kingdom.
§ Dr. BoysonGas tariffs in Northern Ireland are a matter for individual gas undertakings. Most of them are in receipt of Government subsidy. To qualify for such subsidy the undertakings are required to increase their tariffs to reflect at least the increases in their manufacturing costs. Gas tariffs in Great Britain are set by the British Gas Corporation which has said that it expects gas prices to rise broadly in line with inflation.
It is not possible at present to provide the information requested on electricity tariffs. Electricity tariffs in Northern Ireland are linked to the level of the highest comparable tariffs of the area boards in England and 451W Wales. No decisions have been taken on the level of increases in electricity tariffs which might be applied in England and Wales during the next 12 months.