Mr. De la Bèreasked the Minister of Transport, whether he is aware that many persons who have lost their homes as a result of enemy action have had to move into other homes covered by a supply of electricity from the County of London Electricity Supply Company, Limited, who, before they will supply current are demanding substantial deposits, not for the instalment of any apparatus, but in the form of payment in advance; and, in view of the hardship entailed, whether he will take action to prohibit this practice and call on the company to extend sympathy and understanding in these cases of hardship?
§ Lieut.-Colonel Moore-BrabazonThe smaller types of houses and flats are usually fitted with prepayment meters, and the question of deposit does not arise. In other cases where new tenants are unknown to the company and receive supplies on a basis of payment at the end of the quarter, the company has a right to demand a deposit which varies from £1 to £3 according to the size of the premises. The rule as to deposits was relaxed for some time, but a large amount of had debts accumulated and it has been found necessary to reinstate it. I am informed that the company is acting reasonably in the exercise of their rights and has not only extended sympathy and understanding in cases of hardship but waived debts due to the company. If my hon. Friend has in mind any specific cases of alleged hardship I shall be happy to investigate them.