§ 2. Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Minister of Power how many protests he has received about the new standing charge for small gas consumers; and if he will now give a general direction, in the public interest, to gas boards to withdraw it.
§ Mr. FreesonAbout 180 protests have been received. It is not considered appropriate to give a general direction in a matter of this kind.
§ Mrs. ShortIs my hon. Friend aware that many of my elderly constituents who do not have pre-payment meters are receiving bills for gas which are considerably higher than those which they received before? On the other hand, is he aware that the West Midlands police are advising elderly householders not to have prepayment meters because of the risk of burglary? Will he look into this matter again to see if some relief can be given, particularly to pensioners?
§ Mr. FreesonThe kind of information mentioned by my hon. Friend would be considered if it were submitted to my Department. It should be stated that the standing charge does not necessarily mean that there is an excessive increase in cost, because the initial charges for therms are considerably reduced. The rates have been reduced in the West Midlands area by between 8d. and 1s. 1d. per therm. The introduction of pre-payment meters, in place of credit meters, is a sensible step for people to undertake, particularly when they use small amounts of gas. But I am assured that the Board would consider making special arrangement for elderly persons who find any difficulty in this connection.
§ Sir S. McAddenIn view of the loud-throated and enthusiastic support which his right hon. Friend gave to this matter when it was first raised, will not the hon. Gentleman—whom we congratulate on his new appointment—urge his right hon. Friend to give very serious consideration to this matter and a more satisfactory reply?