HC Deb 05 February 1974 vol 868 c292W
Mr. David Watkins

asked the Minister for Energy (1) how many complaints have been made to his Department about alleged breaches of the restrictions on the use of electricity which have led to contact being made by his officials with the person or persons complained against;

(2) what checks are made on the validity of complaints of breaches of the restrictions on the use of electricity made to his Department before the person or persons complained against are contacted by his officials;

(3) what records are maintained by his Department of complaints and complainants concerning alleged breaches of the restrictions on the use of electricity in business premises and of the action taken on such complaints;

(4) what investigation was made into the complaint made against Mr. S. J. Hogg, a constituent of the hon. Member for Consett, for alleged breach of the electricity restrictions, in order to establish if the complaint was justified before an official of his Department telephoned Mr. Hogg on 8th January 1974;

(5) in what manner a complaint was made to his Department that Mr. S. J. Hogg, a constituent of the hon. Member for Consett, had breached the electricity regulations and which led to a telephone call to Mr. Hogg on Tuesday afternoon, 8th January 1974, by an official of his Department.

Mr. Emery

Since the electricity restrictions were introduced many members of the public have informed the regional offices of alleged infringements of the regulations. The practice is to bring these to the attention of the person concerned as infringements have frequently proved to have been accidental. Records are kept in some instances and this was so in this case. However, enforcement of the restrictions is a matter for the police. Serious cases brought to the attention of my Department are passed to the police who make what investigations and take what action is appropriate.