§ Mr. Hendersonasked the Secretary of State for Energy what advice he gives to electricity boards on the installation of prepayment meters with a higher setting to cover payment arrears as an alternative to disconnection.
§ Dr. John A. CunninghamCollection of debts is a matter within the responsibility of electricity boards, but after consultation witht the Government the industries recently published their code of practice for the payment of domestic electricity and gas bills. Under this consumers will not be disconnected for debts if they make arrangements for regular payments or if a prepayment meter is installed when it is safe and practical. In either case the arrangements must be such as to ensure the clearance of arrears within a reasonable period having regard to all the circumstances.