To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps she has taken to ensure that Northern Ireland Electricity (a) undertakes a review of existing infrastructure and investment in new infrastructure and (b) implements an effective strategy for communications with consumers. [67250]

The independent Director of Electricity Supply for Northern Ireland has the statutory duty to protect the interests of consumers in respect of the continuity and quality of electricity supply services. He has sought a full and detailed report from Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) to be delivered before the end of January 1999 on the company's response to the problems encountered by consumers over the Christmas holiday period, including the communication arrangements for keeping customers informed during emergencies. He plans to publish the NIE report along with its conclusions on the improvements needed to NIE arrangements for dealing with future emergency situations. The Director also proposes to publish a Consultation Paper seeking views on the proper balance between the costs of supplying electricity and the range and quality of customer services.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what discussions have taken place with senior management in Northern Ireland Electricity concerning the protracted interruptions to electricity supply over the Christmas 1998 period; and what was the outcome. [67027]

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State met the Chief Executive of Viridian Group plc, the holding company of Northern Ireland Electricity plc, on 6 January 1999. She expressed her concerns about the problems faced by electricity consumers over the Christmas 1998 period and requested an urgent report on the company's performance in response to the disruptions in supplies. NIE agreed to provide the Secretary of State with the requested report by 31 January 1999.