HC Deb 17 June 1974 vol 875 c22
23. Mr. John Ellis

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he is satisfied with the operation of the complaints procedure as it affects gas consumers.

Mr. Strang

Yes, Sir. If consumers are dissatisfied they can consult the gas consumers' councils—independent bodies set up to look after gas consumers' interests.

Mr. Ellis

Will my hon. Friend have a word with the East Midlands Gas Board? Is he aware of the details of a case concerning Mr. Aistrope, of which I have given details to his private office? The board is pursuing him for the payment of £10 on a bill of over £400. I think that he was misled, and that the Registrar of Scunthorpe County Court dismissed the case brought by the board because he, too, believed him to have been misled. Is he aware that the board is still harassing my constituent and that its members are behaving like a collection of little Hitlers, with no idea of good consumer relations? Will he give the board the biggest rocket it has ever had and tell it to "knock it off"?

Mr. Strang

As soon as I received word of the situation of my hon. Friend's constituent I asked for an immediate report, but he will recognise that since the matter is now sub judice it would be inappropriate for me to comment.