§ Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for Energy what further representations he has made to the chairmen of the Gas Board, the Electricity Council and the Scottish electricity boards to the effect that when an uneconomic showroom closes, service should be maintained by the showroom of the gas or electricity industry which has not closed down.
§ Mr. OakesI have been assured by British Gas and the Electricity Council that serious consideration will be given to the possibility of maintaining some service through each other's showrooms whenever the occasion arises. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland is responsible for the Scottish electricity boards.
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§ Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for Energy what action he is taking to make payment of gas or electricity accounts payable through the showrooms of either industry.
§ Mr. OakesThe Fuel Payments Review considered this suggestion in accordance with the request mentioned in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Dunbartonshire, West (Mr. Campbell) on 27th May—(Vol. 912, c. 302). In paragraph 157 of my report, I recommended that the industries should endeavour to make arrangements for more places at which consumers could pay their bills, and that each other's showrooms were an obvious possibility. The Government are now considering the report.