§ Mr. TrimbleTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps are being taken by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to ensure that a long-term agreement is reached between the Northern Ireland Authority for Energy Regulation and the Phoenix gas company to ensure long-term stability in the gas market; and if he will make a statement. [165946]
§ Mr. GardinerPhoenix Natural Gas and the Northern Ireland Authority for Energy Regulation have been engaged in lengthy and detailed discussions about possible licence amendments aimed at achieving longterm stability in charges and rates of return on assets. While my Department has no formal role in this process, I have made clear to both parties Me importance which I attach to an early resolution of these negotiations in the interests of consumers and the future of the NI gas industry.
§ Mr. TrimbleTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to introduce competition into the natural gas industry in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a state merit. [165947]
§ Mr. GardinerUnder the terms of the regulated Phoenix Natural Gas licence, industrial and commercial gas consumers taking more than 75,000 therms a year already have the opportunity to seek alternative sources of supply. Such open competition arrangements will apply to all other consumers from 1 January 2005.