§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will introduce legislation to make the overcharging by landlords of tenants for electricity a criminal offence.
§ Mr. MellorThe Office of Fair Trading is currently carrying out a further investigation into this matter.
§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will have discussions with the electricity boards concerning disconnecting tenants who are paying for their electricity by meter but whose landlords fail to pay the electricity boards; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MellorThis is among issues currently being examined by the gas and electricity industries and consumers' councils in the context of possible changes to the industries' code of practice on the payment of bills. This follows a recent review of the code by the Policy Studies Institute. I expect to receive the industries' report very shortly.
§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Energy what recent evidence there is that private tenants renting flats and bed-sitters are being illegally overcharged for electricity by their landlords.
§ Mr. MellorI have seen the recent reports by the National Consumer Council and Electricity Consumers' Council suggesting that over-charging by landlords continues to be a problem. The Office of Fair Trading has looked into this previously. As a result of a further limited review last year it is now considering whether further action is required. The electricity consultative councils, citizens advice bureaux and other bodies have been asked to gather evidence through the period March to November.