§ 47. Mr. David Steelasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement about his recent advice to electricity boards and social work departments in the light of the incident at Hawick where local doctors paid an overdue electricity account to preserve the health of the children of the family.
§ Mr. William RossI have no reason to believe that the liaison arrangements between the social services and the electricity boards are not operating satisfactorily in general. I have, however, arranged to obtain details of the Hawick case from the authorities concerned and will study its implications.
§ Mr. Gordon Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will issue a further general direction to the Scottish electricity boards to the effect that private individuals should be accepted as guarantors for the purpose of securing an electricity supply to consumers previously disconnected for non-payment of accounts.
§ Mr. William RossNo general direction has been issued concerning guarantees. The acceptance of guarantors is a matter for the commercial discretion of the boards, but I am informed by the boards that they will accept private guarantors provided they are satisfied in the normal way as to their bona fides and substance.
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§ Mr. Gordon Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the total sum in consumers' unclaimed deposits currently lying with (a) the SSEB and (b) the NSHEB.
§ Mr. William RossI am asking the chairmen of the boards to write to the hon. Member.