§ Mr. BeggsTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment he has made of the level of efficiency improvements achieved in generating companies since privatisation; and what consideration he has given to requiring these companies to absorb more costs rather than pass them on to electricity consumers.
§ Mr. AncramNone. Following the privatisation of'the electricity industry in Northern Ireland efficiency improvements achieved in generating stations are matter for the private company concerned. The absorption of the costs of generating electricity is a matter for negotiation and contractual agreement between the generating companies and Northern Ireland Electricity plc.
The Director General of Electricity Supply for Northern Ireland has responsibility for ensuring that consumers' interests as regards price and quality of service are protected.