§ Sir W. Davisonasked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that many householders in evacuation areas are obliged to continue lump-sum payments to electricity companies for many months, in respect of electricity supply to premises, notwithstanding that they have vacated the premises in question and are not using any electric current; and whether steps will be taken to enable any such agreements to be terminated at short notice so that payments need only be made in respect of electric current actually used?
§ Captain WallaceI assume that my hon. Friend is referring to householders who have contracted to take supplies on a two-part tariff involving payment of a fixed or service charge per quarter, plus a unit charge for the units of electricity actually consumed. These legal agreements are usually terminable on three months' notice and I have no jurisdiction to intervene.