§ Mr. Nobleasked the Secretary of State for Energy whether he will bring forward legislation to enable him to defray the electricity boards' charges for service calls, in the case of retirement pensioners and others in receipt of State benefits.
§ Mr. BennBoards do not charge for calls to service their own wiring or equipment. In servicing consumers' wiring and appliances they are in competition with private contractors and their charges are set to cover their costs. Any financial assistance to particular groups of people in special need is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Services.