§ 31. Mr. Doigasked the Minister of Power if he is aware that the Scottish Gas Board is now charging 1s. 6d. per month to customers paying their accounts by coupon book, although no such charge is made to those paying by banker's order; and if he will issue a general direction to the Board to remove this charge.
§ Dr. BrayMy right hon. Friend is aware of the charge which is a matter for the Board. A general direction would not be appropriate.
§ Mr. DoigIs my hon. Friend aware that this charge falls on those least able to bear it, namely, those who cannot afford to have bank accounts? If the Board wants to raise extra revenue, this is a most unfair way to do it.
§ Dr. BrayAs my hon. Friend knows, there is a number of payment systems to assist precisely the kind of person he has in mind to make it easier for him to pay his accounts. Whenever anybody accepts this method of payment, or payment by pre-payment meter, or anything like this, he is fully aware that the cost of collection is greater and therefore the charge is greater. But it is still more convenient for people and they choose to do it in this way.
Mr. Edward M. TaylorAs the scheme is designed specifically for poor people with limited means to pay for gas in Scotland, the cost of which is about 15 per cent. above the cost in the rest of the country, is it not outrageous to ask these people to pay about £1 a year extra for the privilege of paying their bills monthly in advance?
§ Dr. BrayNo. It is a matter of free choice on the part of individuals concerned. They are well able to choose between the different methods of payment, such as the coupon method. It is 239 the Government's policy to make sure that the charges of the nationalised industries are related to the costs incurred in giving these services.