§ 18. Mr. Concannonasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will give a general direction to the East Midlands Gas Board to appoint agents in areas not covered by gas showrooms to facilitate payment of accounts.
§ Mr. RidleyNo, Sir. This is a matter for the Board.
§ Mr. ConcannonIs the hon. Gentleman aware that, in areas not covered by gas showrooms, the lower-paid and pensioners have considerable difficulty in the payment of their accounts and incur extra cost in doing so? Is he aware that the East Midlands Electricity Board appoints agents in certain areas not covered by its showrooms?
§ Mr. RidleyI suggest that the hon. Gentleman should write to the Chairman of the Board because this is not a matter for which the Government are responsible.