§ Mr. Cartwrightasked the Secretary of State for Energy what steps he has taken or plans to take to expedite the inquiry into the operation of the code of practice for disconnection of domestic gas and electricity consumers.
§ Mr. Norman LamontThis review is is being carried out by the Policy Studies Institute, under the sponsorship of the industries and their consumer councils. I have made clear my interest in the results of the review. It is taking longer than originally envisaged, but I understand that the PSI is making progress. I am keeping in close touch with these developments, and I hope shortly to discuss them with the review's sponsors.
§ Mr. Cartwrightasked the Secretary of State for Energy how many domestic consumers of (a) gas and (b) electricity were disconnected for debt in each of the regional board areas during the quarter ended 30 September.
332W
§ Mr. Norman LamontThe figures are as follows:
Area Electricity Board London 10,764 South-Eastern 1,294 Southern 1,359 South-Western 671 Eastern 2,352 East Midlands 3,325 Midlands 3,837 South Wales 789 Merseyside and North Wales 2,357 Yorkshire 3,616 North-Eastern 1,942 North-Western 2,521 34,827 Gas Region Scottish 507 Northern 1,446 North-Western 2,493 North-Eastern 680 East Midlands 1,062 West Midlands 1,839 Wales 90 Eastern 659 North Thames 2,307 South-Eastern 1,198 Southern 387 South-Western 120 12,788