Mr. John D. TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on what dates in 1988 and 1989 the fixed charges in the Northern Ireland Electricity accounts for both domestic and commercial consumers were increased; and what were the percentage increases in each case.
§ Mr. NeedhamNorthern Ireland Electricity's fixed (standing) charges increased on 1 April in each of these two years. The increases were 6.6 per cent. and 20.9 per cent. respectively for domestic and 7.6 per cent. and 36.1 per cent. for commercial consumers. After taking account of changes in unit charges, the average overall increases in NIE tariffs were 9 per cent. and 6.1 per cent. respectively in the two years.