HC Deb 09 April 1941 vol 370 c1578W
Mr. Wilson

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that there are cases in Sheffield where looters have taken money from gas and electric meters and that the tenants, on return to their dwellings after first-aid repairs, are being called upon by the gas company to pay for the gas consumed; and whether he will take steps to protect tenants from such loss?

Captain Waterhouse

The answer to the first part of the Question is in the affirmative. The tenants concerned are legally liable for the money in their meters, and, in view of the possibility of fraud, the interests of the company must be considered as well as those of the tenants. My right hon. Friend is discussing this difficult problem with the other Ministers who are interested.