§ 31. Mr. Silvesterasked the Minister of Power whether he will introduce legislation to amend the powers of the electricity boards to cut off supply to consumers to provide more adequate safeguards in the event of a dispute over charges.
§ Mr. FreesonNo. The Electric Lighting Act 1909 already virtually forbids disconnection in a "bona fide dispute", and the boards have established special procedures to ensure that normal accountancy measures do not lead to disconnection when such dispute arises. Following discussions with the National Council of Social Services, they have also recently appointed officers to advise on cases where consumers have financial or welfare problems.