§ 2. Mr. Thomas Coxasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will place a statutory obligation on the electricity boards to investigate any cases reported to them of suspected faulty wiring without any charge being imposed.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Energy (Mr. Norman Lamont)No, Sir. Wiring installations on their side of the meter are the property and responsibility of 3 consumers. Area electricity boards offer a comprehensive service to consumers whose wiring may need attention, but there is no reason for this to be provided free of charge.
§ Mr. CoxIs the hon. Gentleman aware that that is a most disappointing reply and also a stupid reply? Is he aware that the gas boards will freely investigate any possible gas leaks, and that there may be just as much danger from faulty electrical wiring? Will he reconsider the matter, as the problem causes enormous worry to many people?
§ Mr. LamontI do not agree with the hon. Gentleman. When people's homes are first connected to the electricity supply they are entitled to a free inspection of their wiring. Thereafter, in their own houses, the condition of the wiring ought to be people's own responsibility. The hon. Gentleman's suggestion would involve a considerable charge on other consumers and on the taxpayers. Even one inspection every five years, at £30—the present cost for a domestic test—would cost the boards £120 million a year. I cannot see that the suggestion is justified.
§ Mr. ViggersDoes my hon. Friend agree that, although we are all concerned about safety, if the suggestion of the hon. Member for Tooting (Mr. Cox) were to be followed it would lead to the most appalling snoopers' charter?
§ Mr. LamontI entirely agree with my hon. Friend.