§ 89. Mr. Leadbitterasked the Minister of Power if he is aware that, so far as old-age pensioners are concerned, the standard charges for maintenance carried out by gas boards are excessive in relation to the nature of the maintenance required and the amount of pension received; and if he will issue general directions to the gas boards to mitigate these charges for pensioners.
§ Mr. Frederick LeeThe area gas boards know that I expect them to provide service as cheaply as is consistent with covering costs and financial objectives. Many of the boards make special free visits to elderly customers to promote safety and on these minor maintenance is often done. I would not ask the boards to discriminate in favour of pensioners in their standard maintenance charges because this would not be consistent with their statutory duties. The Government's view is that in general the right way to help the elderly is to provide adequate money resources.