§ Mr. Cartwrightasked the Secretary of State for Energy what directions he has issued to gas and electricity boards to ensure that (a) their staffs and (b) their customers are fully conversant with the code of practice on payment of domestic electricity and gas bills.
§ Dr. J. Dickson MabonThe code has been published by the industries and these matters are their responsibility. I understand that staff concerned are being fully briefed on their duties in implementing the code. Copies have been made available to consumers at all electricity and gas showrooms and offices, and at many other centres where customers may go for help and advice, and special steps are taken to inform those who may be at risk of disconnection. The industries have also mounted a Press advertising campaign to publicise the code.
§ Mr. Cartwrightasked the Secretary of State for Energy what action he intends to take to monitor the implementation of the code of practice on payment of domestic electricity and gas bills; and which consumer organisations will be involved in this process.
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§ Dr. J. Dickson MabonI understand that the National Gas Consumers' Council and the electricity area consultative councils will be involved with the industries in the continuous assessment of the working of this code. My right hon. Friend and I shall be watching the effects and the industries have agreed to keep us informed.
§ Mr. Cartwrightasked the Secretary of State for Energy why the code of practice on payment of domestic electricity and gas bills does not refer to the special problems of the chronically sick, the mentally ill and the mentally and physically handicapped.
§ Dr. J. Dickson MahonThe code deals with arrangements for paying electricity and gas bills with special reference to consumers experiencing difficulty in doing so. If the groups of people referred to are in this situation they will be covered by the code.
§ Mr. Cartwrightasked the Secretary of State for Energy which consumer organisations were consulted during the formulation of the code of practice on payment of domestic electricity and gas bills.
§ Dr. J. Dickson MabonThe code of practice was issued by the gas and electricity industries after consultation with the industries' unions, electricity consultative councils and the National Gas Consumers' Council, and taking account of the report of the fuel payments review, under Mr. Gordon Oakes, which had received advice from the voluntary organisations.