HL Deb 26 May 2004 vol 661 cc134-5WA
Lord Hogg of Cumbernauld

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What assessment has been made of Centrica's demand that gas prices be increased by up to 20 per cent in Northern Ireland. [HL2800]

Baroness Amos

The cost to Phoenix Natural Gas of its wholesale gas purchases for the Northern Ireland market is a contractual matter between the company and its supplier. Centrica has not demanded that retail gas prices in Northern Ireland be increased. Phoenix Natural Gas proposed a 20 per cent gas price increase for domestic and small industrial and commercial customers with effect from 1 April 2004, but this was suspended following a meeting with Barry Gardiner on 8 April 2004. Phoenix is continuing negotiations with Centrica about the wholesale gas price.

Lord Hogg of Cumbernauld

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What importance they place on maintaining a viable natural gas industry in Northern Ireland. [HL2801]

Baroness Amos

Her Majesty's Government remain committed to promoting the development and maintenance of an efficient, economic and co-ordinated gas industry in Northern Ireland. Financial support has been provided to assist the development of a new gas network infrastructure in Northern Ireland. Gas licensees receive no additional financial support from government and their ability to fund their ongoing activities is monitored by the Northern Ireland Authority for Energy Regulation.