HC Deb 19 October 1998 vol 317 cc907-8W
Dr. Lynne Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will outlaw the practice of companies placing weekly water arrears payments on customers' electricity meters. [53913]

Mr. Mandelson

I have been asked to reply.

This is a matter for the Director General of Electricity Supply.

However, I understand that the use of electricity pre-payment meters to recover water debts may not be consistent with the provisions of the Electricity Act 1989. My Department has written to the Director General.