§ Mr. Kellyasked the President of the Board of Trade when the South Metropolitan Gas Company will again change the gas meter recording which was altered for increasing the charge for gas; and will the readings of check meters be taken that such users may not have to continue paying the higher charges?
Mr. StanleyI am informed by the South Metropolitan Gas Company that, when in October, 1936, the company reverted to the flat rate method of charge, 413W meters for which the company are responsible were re-rated. This was completed by 21st December, 1936, except in very few cases where consumers for personal reasons made special requests that the higher rating should remain unaltered or where access could not at the time be obtained. In the latter case the re-rating was made at the earliest opportunity of inspecting the meter. I understand that the rating of check meters which are installed at the order of the hirer of the main meter for the purpose of checking the consumption taken by a sub-tenant or for any other purpose is not the responsibility of the company.