§ MR. T. LOUGH (Islington)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade, whether his attention has been drawn to the defective condition of meters supplied by the Gas Light and Coke Company throughout that part of London which is North of the Thames; whether he has observed from cases which have been brought before the magistrates and ventilated in the public Press, that these meters usually err in favour of the Company, registering a much larger quantity of gas than has been consumed, and that the magistrates are practically powerless to give adequate relief, even when a case is proved; and whether, under these circumstances, he can use his powers to compel the Gas Company to supply their customers with meters of a less defective character.
§ MR. RITCHIEExcept from the hon. Members I have not had complaints on the subject referred to in the Question. I have seen newspaper statements of the kind described, but I cannot express any opinion as to whether they are generally well founded or not. I have no power to compel the Gas Companies to supply their customers with meters of any particular description, but under the Sale of Gas Act provision is made for testing meters, and that duty is imposed on inspectors appointed by the local authorities, in this case the London County Council.
§ MR. LOUGHWill the right hon. Gentleman ascertain whether the London County Council put their powers into force.
§ MR. RITCHIEMy experience is that they are always ready to put their powers into force.