Written question asked by Lord Trimble (Ulster Unionist Party) on Wednesday, 31 March 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 22 April 2004. It was answered by Barry Gardiner (Labour) on Thursday, 22 April 2004 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 competition into the natural gas industry in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Trimble: To 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 statement. [165947] Mr. Gardiner: Under 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.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 165947; 420 c657W
Session: 2003-04
Subjects: Competition Energy supply Northern Ireland Natural gas Phoenix Natural Gas
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk