§ BARONESS PHILLIPSasked Her Majesty's Government:
In how many cases the Supplementary Benefits Commission changed quarterly meters for coin-in-the-slot meters in households with arrears of gas bills; and in what proportion of these the charge was waived.
§ LORD ABERDAREThe Supplementary Benefits Commission have no power to change gas meters but may seek the co-operation of the appropriate Region of the Gas Corporation in arranging provision of a slot meter where it is considered desirable in the interests of the consumer. The question of charges is a matter for individual Regions of the Gas Corporation.