HC Deb 09 December 1981 vol 14 cc854-5
11. Mr. Dempsey

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will introduce measures to control the use of disconnection by electricity boards in Scotland, in view of the hardships caused by current restrictions imposed by the South of Scotland Electricity Board.

Mr. Alexander Fletcher

No. The South of Scotland Electricity Board carries out disconnections in accordance with the industries' code of practice on the payment of domestic gas and electricity bills. The operation of the code of practice has been examined by the Policy Studies Institute and its report, which was published recently, is being urgently considered by the Scottish electricity boards and their consultative councils. They have agreed to consider changes in the operation of the code in the light of the report, and the aim is to introduce any changes to the code and its operation by March 1982.

Mr. Dempsey

Is the Under-Secretary aware that when the amount owed is more than £150 the South of Scotland Electricity Board will not accept a direct payment for fuel from the social security department on behalf of the recipient and that, as a consequence, unemployed families with young children have been disconnected? Will he review the situation because, south of the border, payments are taken up to £300? Does the Minister agree that consumers in the North are entitled to the same fair and just consideration as consumers south of the border?

Mr. Fletcher

I am aware of the problem that the hon. Gentleman has raised. I understand that, as a result of a recent meeting between the chairman of the board and my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Health and Social Security, more flexible arrangements are likely to be introduced. I discussed the matter recently with the chairman of the board. However, the percentage of consumers in the board's area who have been disconnected has remained virtually unchanged over the past three years.

Dr. M. S. Miller

Does the Minister agree that one of the problems in the area is the tremendously high cost of electricity? Would there not be fewer problems if there were rationalisation of the costs of gas and electricity? What steps is he taking to make equalisation possible?

Mr. Fletcher

I do not accept the hon. Gentleman's premise. He will know that the most significant factor in the cost of electricity is fuel. On a United Kingdom basis, coal is the basic fuel that is used to produce electricity. Therefore, the price of coal is important in this connection.

Mr. Harry Ewing

Does the Minister accept that there is widespread concern because it appears that the South of Scotland Electricity Board is operating a much tougher policy on disconnections than almost any other generating board in the United Kingdom? Does he further accept that recently some alarming cases of disconnection have come to light? Will the Minister raise this matter with the board and discuss with it a more flexible approach to what is becoming a serious problem?

Mr. Fletcher

I am aware of the seriousness of the problem. However, it tends to be exaggerated, and the board tends to be lambasted with accusations that cannot be justified. As I have already said, the board has undertaken to respond to the PSI report by March next year. I have asked the chairman to keep me informed of progress.