DOMESTIC COSTS IN NORTHERN IRELAND

Motion Text

That this House notes the recent significant percentage increase in the cost of gas to consumers in Northern Ireland, the announcement by Her Majesty's Government of a 19 per cent. increase in regional rates in Northern Ireland, and the informed speculation that Northern Ireland Electricity is about to announce an increase in tariffs also in double digits; is alarmed, given the fact that the average salary in Northern Ireland is considerably less than the rest of the United Kingdom, that levels of deprivation that are already high will increase significantly as a result; and calls upon the Government to ensure protection for those least able to afford these substantial increases.