§ Mr. Sillarsasked the Secretary of State for Energy what representations he has received from the Right to Fuel Campaign about disconnection of domestic fuel consumers; and what replies he has sent.
§ Mr. BennI have maintained close contact with this campaign and recently spoke at one of their public meetings. This organisation considers that the power of the electricity and gas industries to disconnect consumers for debt should be removed as was recommended in the Oakes Report. I have explained that this raises large issues and would require legislation. The Government have decided to keep the matter under review in the light of experience of the operation of the code of practice for payment 211W of domestic electricity and gas bills which the industries have recently published following consultation with Ministers.