§ Mr. Wigleyasked the Secretary of State for Energy what consideration he has given to the proposal by Age Concern Wales for the provision of a multipurpose energy stamp at post offices, which could be used towards payment of gas, electricity and water bills, and possibly television licences, by retirement pensioners; and if he will make a statement.
§ Dr. John CunninghamBoth the gas and electricity industries provide for payment of bills through purchase of stamps at their showrooms. They have had discussions with the Post Office about the sale of an energy stamp through post offices. Whilst I believe that this might be a helpful contribution to the other easier payment methods already offered by the industries a number of problems have been found which remain to be re-476W solved, and the proposal is still under consideration. I understand that stamps can be purchased at post offices towards the payment of the television licence fee and that some water authorities similarly provide for payment of bills through stamps on sale at post offices.