§ Lady HermonTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations she has made to(a) Ofgem and (b) Centrica plc concerning the gas transportation tariffs in the United Kingdom, with particular reference to their effect on Northern Ireland. [16783]
§ Mr. WilsonIn Great Britain gas transportation tariffs are levied by Transco and regulated by Ofgem through licence conditions (including the licence condition relating to the price control). Ofgem recently consulted on proposals for the price control for the period from 2002–07. While the Department has had discussions with Ofgem about its proposals we have made no specific representations regarding transportation tariffs.
Gas is supplied to Northern Ireland under a contract between Centrica plc and Phoenix Natural Gas plc, the main gas supplier in Northern Ireland. Like all other shippers who use Transco's system, Centrica pay gas transportation tariffs and I understand that the level of these charges is reflected in the price Centrica charges customers such as Phoenix. This is however a commercial matter.