§ Mr. Cartwrightasked the Secretary of State for Energy what steps he is taking to encourage the fuel industries to deal sensitively with the problems of poor consumers and to develop and extend easier payment systems
§ Mr. Norman LamontThe fuel industries are aware of the need to deal sensitively with the problems of poor consumers while having regard to their wider responsibilities. They already, for instance, provide a wide range of "pay as you go " methods to help people spread the burden of high winter bills. The Government continue to encourage the industries to extend these and I am glad to say that considerable progress has been made. Most recently, the industries have announced the successful conclusion of negotiations with the National Federation of Sub-Postmasters under which, from 2 June, the industries' electricity and gas savings stamps may be sold at sub-post offices. This will permit a considerable extension in the number of outlets from which consumers can buy these stamps, greatly improving accessibility, particularly in outlying areas where the industries do not have showrooms. I understand that the industries are also currently examining the possibility of accepting each other's stamps in payment of bills. This would provide a further valuable contribution to the payment options open to consumers and I hope agreement on this can also be reached soon.