§ Mr. Geoffrey Lloydasked the Minister of Power whether he will refer to the National Board far Prices and Incomes the practice of the West Midlands Gas 329W Board of charging a service fee for making an estimate for repairs which is not accepted.
§ Mr. FreesonNo. The West Midlands Gas Board do not charge for making an estimate for repairs, whether or not it is accepted. The Board do, however, make a minimum charge for the attendance of a fitter, who in a few cases may be able to do little more than advise that major repairs are needed, and perhaps to give an approximate cost. The Board's present scale of charges, including the practice of making a minimum charge, has been considered and accepted by the West Midlands Gas Consultative Council.
If the hon. Member has a specific case in mind, perhaps he would get in touch with the Board.