§ 16. Mr. Cookasked the Secretary of Stale for Energy if, in the light of rising fuel costs, he will take further steps to reduce the present level of disconnections from supply.
§ Mr. Norman LamontI recognise there is concern at the level of disconnections. As I told the House on 8 December, I have discussed this with the deputy chairmen of the Electricity Council and the British Gas Corporation. They agreed changes in the code of practice, including the easier availability of prepayment meters. I am continuing to keep in close touch with them about the situation.
§ Mr. Peter Bottomleyasked the Secretary of State for Energy whether the interim report of the review of the disconnections code of practice carried out by the Policy Studies Institute will be published, and if not (a) for what reason and (b) if he will arrange for a copy to be placed in the Library.
§ Mr. Norman LamontI am arranging for a copy of the report to be placed in the Library of the House. Publication is a matter for the sponsors of the review—the industries and the gas and electricity consumer councils—and I am asking the chairmen of the British Gas Corporation and the Electricity Council to write to my hon. Friend.