§ Mr. Cartwrightasked the Secretary of State for Energy what is his most recent estimate of the number of sub-post offices now selling electricity and gas savings stamps.
§ Mr. Norman LamontThese arrangements came into effect on 2 June but the details are a matter for the industries. I am asking the chairmen of the Electricity Council and British Gas Corporation to write to the hon. Member.
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§ Mr. Cartwrightasked the Secretary of State for Energy what are the outstanding difficulties preventing the sale of gas and electricity savings stamps through Crown post offices; and what steps are now being taken to remove them.
§ Mr. Norman LamontThe sale of the industries' gas and electricity savings stamps by Crown post offices is not permitted under the terms of the Post Office Act 1969. Questions on the scope of this legislation are the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Industry.
§ Mr. Cartwrightasked the Secretary of State for Energy if, in order to improve the effectiveness of the energy savings stamp schemes, he will consult the electricity and gas industries with a view to their accepting the payment of bills through sub-post offices by means of the stamps purchased from them.
§ Mr. Norman LamontBills may be paid at all post offices through National Giro. The industries' savings stamps cannot be redeemed in this way because the Post Office is prevented from handling them by the terms of the Post Office Act 1969. The possibility of setting up alternative redemption arrangements has, I understand, been ruled out on grounds of cost.