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15/07/2005
Government must act over unfair electricity costs – Sir Reg
Following revelations that consumers here are being charged more for their electricity in comparison to users in the rest of the UK, Ulster Unionist Party Leader Sir Reg Empey, has called on the government to take immediate action to create a “fair and balanced pricing mechanism” for Northern Ireland customers.
In a statement Sir Reg said: “We agree that the foundations for this deplorable situation were laid by the bad deals hatched by Conservative Ministers in the early nineties.
“Unfair practices in the Province have been well documented. Two years ago, a CBI survey found that large business users here were being charged 50% more than on the mainland.
“Government has been aware of this situation for some time. I recall that Finance Minister, Ian Pearson, once pledged to set aside £200 million to offset energy costs. What has happened since then? Where is the money? How much has actually been spent?
“In September 2003, Mr Pearson also stated that it was a top priority for government to cut 10% off electricity costs for businesses. Similarly, what has happened with that pledge?”
He added: “When in opposition, Ian Pearson strongly condemned the Tory government over its handling of public finances. Nine years ago, he told the House of Commons that ‘the public have a right to know exactly how much of their money has been thrown away as a result of the Government's ineptitude’.
“Surely this principle should apply equally to a Labour government? I trust that Mr Pearson would be keen for his successor, Lord Rooker, to clarify the situation.”
Concluding, Sir Reg said: “Government must now take immediate action to create a fair and balanced pricing mechanism for Northern Ireland customers.”
(GB/KMcA)
In a statement Sir Reg said: “We agree that the foundations for this deplorable situation were laid by the bad deals hatched by Conservative Ministers in the early nineties.
“Unfair practices in the Province have been well documented. Two years ago, a CBI survey found that large business users here were being charged 50% more than on the mainland.
“Government has been aware of this situation for some time. I recall that Finance Minister, Ian Pearson, once pledged to set aside £200 million to offset energy costs. What has happened since then? Where is the money? How much has actually been spent?
“In September 2003, Mr Pearson also stated that it was a top priority for government to cut 10% off electricity costs for businesses. Similarly, what has happened with that pledge?”
He added: “When in opposition, Ian Pearson strongly condemned the Tory government over its handling of public finances. Nine years ago, he told the House of Commons that ‘the public have a right to know exactly how much of their money has been thrown away as a result of the Government's ineptitude’.
“Surely this principle should apply equally to a Labour government? I trust that Mr Pearson would be keen for his successor, Lord Rooker, to clarify the situation.”
Concluding, Sir Reg said: “Government must now take immediate action to create a fair and balanced pricing mechanism for Northern Ireland customers.”
(GB/KMcA)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A cloudy day with a little light rain or drizzle at times, but some spells of drier weather too. The north coast may become somewhat brighter later this afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Cloudy and patchy light rain will slowly clear away this evening. Then the rest of the night will be dry with broken cloud. Westerly winds freshening in the early hours. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
