Written question asked by Jeffrey M Donaldson (Ulster Unionist Party) on Tuesday, 29 October 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 4 November 2002. It was answered by Ian Pearson (Labour) on Monday, 4 November 2002 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Northern Ireland Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what plans he has to introduce postalisation of gas prices in Northern Ireland.

Answer: Mr. Donaldson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to introduce postalisation of gas prices in Northern Ireland. [78801] Mr. Pearson: The provisions to give effect to postalisation of gas transmission costs were included in the draft Energy Bill which had entered Committee stage prior to the suspension of the devolved Administration. Subject to the Secretary of State's consent, it would be my intention that the Energy Bill would be converted to an Order in Council and included in the programme for the next legislative session. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment and the Regulator are involved in ongoing discussions with the pipeline owners about the precise arrangements for introducing postalisation.

Secondary information