Vice-Admiral Taylorasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has taken, or will take, powers under the Emergency Regulations to compel gas companies to abstain from cutting off their supplies to persons who, for reasons connected with the war, are unable to discharge their accounts for such supplies; and what procedure should be followed?
Major Lloyd GeorgeI do not think that the exercise of powers under Emergency Powers (Defence) Regulation by a Government Department is a practicable method of meeting the difficulties of individuals to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers. I suggest that he should await the consideration of the Amendment which he has put down to the Courts (Emergency Powers) Amendment Bill now before the House.
Vice-Admiral Taylorasked the Minister of Transport whether he has taken, or will take, powers under the Emergency Regulations to compel electricity companies to abstain from cutting off their supplies to persons who, for reasons connected with the war, are unable to discharge punctually their accounts for such supplies; and what procedure should be followed to secure his protection in this matter?
§ Sir J. ReithI do not feel that circumstances justify action of this character. I am ready at all times, however, to ask the Electricity Commissioners to investigate with the undertakers concerned any particular case of alleged abuse of the power to cut off supplies.