HC Deb 17 January 1972 vol 829 cc19-20
25. Mr. Thomas Cox

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is the annual amount of compensation being paid by gas boards to people whose gas appliances are not being converted to natural gas.

Mr. Ridley

I understand that the gas industry does not keep this information.

Mr. Cox

Is not the hon. Gentleman aware of the widespread criticism of the amounts of compensation which are being paid? In my area, they range from £2 to £5 for each gas appliance which is not converted, and I have constituents who are without heating this winter because of the inadequate compensation which they have been paid. Will the hon. Gentleman take it that in one case, for example, an elderly gentleman was paid £6 for three gas fires, and it has cost him £85 to obtain other heating appliances? Is not this a scandalous way to treat people? Will not the Minister show more interest in the matter?

Mr. Ridley

Where the customer does not wish to buy a new cooker or fire, the gas boards offer a reconditioned one free of charge. As regards portable fires, the gas boards are withdrawing all such fires for safety reasons and are compensating the customers accordingly. If the hon. Gentleman has specific complaints, I suggest that he gets in touch with his gas board, which is responsible for administering these arrangements. I have no responsibility to tell gas boards how to proceed.

Mr. Cox

In view of the totally unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall seek to raise the matter on the Adjournment.