§ Mr. McTaggartasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has any intention of introducing a pay-as-you-go method of payment for fuel consumption.
§ Mr. Alexander FletcherThe Scottish electricity boards already offer a wide range of pay-as-you-go schemes to assist consumers. These include budget accounts into which payments are made on a weekly or monthly basis to even out the costs over a year, the purchase of savings stamps and, where it is safe and practical to do so, the installation of pre-payment meters. In addition, consumers can arrange to pay any sum they wish, at any time, towards their next electricity bill. Arrangements for the gas industry are the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Energy, but I understand that similar facilities are offered by Scottish Gas.
§ Mr. McTaggartasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if, in view of the benefits to the lower-paid of having pre-paid token meters for fuel charges installed in their homes, he will take steps to require the fuel boards to introduce such a system.
§ Mr. Alexander FletcherThis is a matter for the Scottish electricity boards and I will ask the chairmen to write to the hon. Member. Questions about the gas industry in Scotland are for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Energy.