§ Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if, in his review of the Social Work Act, he has studied the number of cases where the hardship can be partly attributed to the system whereby the South of Scotland Electricity Board demand that their bills be paid quarterly, rather than weekly, fortnightly, or monthly.
§ Mr. Gordon CampbellI do not know the number of cases involved, but I am aware that some families have had difficulties in meeting quarterly electricity accounts. The Electricity Board is studying the feasibility of more frequent billing which is entirely for its decision. Meantime consumers who wish to pay monthly may use the monthly payments scheme and the Board's stamp scheme is available to all consumers.