§ Mr. Mike Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Energy in which areas pay-as-you-go schemes are available to consumers of electricity and gas, respectively; what variations there are in the schemes offered; and what is his policy towards such schemes.
§ Mr. EadieThe area electricity boards and the British Gas Corporation operate a number of such schemes, for example, regular payments by bank standing order or Giro, prepayment meters and purchase of easy payment stamps. The detailed practices of the area electricity boards and the regions of the British Gas Corporation vary but are drawn up in consultation with their consultative/consumer councils.