asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he intends to amalgamate the Northern Ireland Electricity Consumers Council with the Northern Ireland Consumer Council.

The Pliatzky report on the review of non-departmental public bodies (Cmnd 7797) referred to the possible amalgamation of the Northern Ireland Consumer Council and the Northern Ireland Electricity Con- sumer Council. This remains under active consideration, and I expect to make an announcement shortly. The Government's proposals will be subject to consultation with the bodies concerned.