HC Deb 29 November 1976 vol 921 cc464-5
12. Mr. Ashley

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what further proposals he has concerning the disconnection of fuel supplies to domestic consumers; and if he will make a statement.

Dr. John A. Cunningham

A copy of a draft code of practice was placed in the House of Commons Library, as mentioned in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Warley, East (Mr. Faulds) on 22nd November. I expect a code to be put into effect by the gas and electricity industries when the current discussions have been concluded, which I hope will be very soon.

Mr. Ashley

Is my hon. Friend aware that I appreciate his personal efforts to deal with this problem but that the code of practice is grossly inadequate and that the Secretary of State should now forbid the disconnection of three categories: first, old people; secondly, severely disabled people; thirdly, low-paid workers with children? If action is not taken on those lines thousands of people may suffer during the coming winter because of the disconnection of supplies. They may suffer from hypothermia.

Dr. Cunningham

My hon. Friend will recognise that much work involving the gas industry, the Electricity Council, the area boards, the Department of Prices and Consumer Protection, the Department of Health and Social Security, the unions in the industries and the Department of Energy has gone into the preparation of this code, and we cannot accept his statement that it is inadequate.

The industries are already operating a moratorium on old-age pensioner disconnections, and if my hon. Friend studies the draft code he will see that other categories can be given the kind of protection that he requires. In some senses this code is an experimental document, and it will be reviewed in the light of its working in the coming winter.

In addition, my hon. Friend should know that anyone in the categories that he mentioned—or in other categories—who expects to find difficulty with his bills should immediately notify the industries concerned and ask the Department of Health and Social Security whether he is entitled to assistance with the payment of his bills.

Mr. Tom King

Is the Under-Secretary of State aware that there has been an appalling lack of progress on this important matter? The Minister's predecessor, again on 19th July, said that this was a matter of urgency and that the decision would have to be taken before the autumn and winter months. Just what part of the season is 29th November meant to be?

Dr. Cunningham

The draft code is in the House of Commons Library. As I said, a great many interests have been involved in the preparation of this document. We are hoping that very soon now it will be agreed and implemented. Above all else it is important to make sure, first, that the code is a practical document and is acceptable to those who have to operate it and, secondly, that as much protection as possible is built into it for those we are trying to help. The suggestion from the Conservative Opposition that this is something which should be done quickly or lightly is one that I reject.