§ Mr. Mike Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Energy whether he will issue general directions to encourage the electricity and gas industries to make the sale of savings stamps for the payment of electricity and gas bills more widely available.
§ Mr. EadieThe range of easy payment methods offered to consumers by electricity area boards and gas regions varies from one part of the country to another, but both industries fully accept the need to use the best means available to meet the convenience of customers wishing to make payments on account. I understand that they are satisfied that the facilities offered are adequate but will ex-316W pand them as may be desirable and practicable.
§ Mr. Mike Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Energy how many electricity and gas boards currently operate savings stamp schemes; and at what outlets, other than the board's own showrooms, stamps are currently available.
§ Mr. EadieSavings stamps are on sale in the showrooms of nine electricity area boards and nine gas regions. The other three gas regions will introduce savings stamps as soon as the necessary arrangements have been finalised. In certain places a long way from showrooms the industries have arranged for authorised agents to sell stamps on their behalf.