§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he is satisfied that gas and electricity boards have adequate access to records kept by his Department for the purpose of operating codes of practice in relation to disabled people; and whether such records are sufficiently full and up to date.
§ Mrs. Chalker[pursuant to her reply, 5 May, c. 10]: The gas and electricity industries have not found it necessary to request access to records kept by this Department. The industries' code of practice indicates that any blind, severely sick or disabled person who may have difficulty in paying his or her bill should contact the gas or electricity board, so that an acceptable method of payment may be agreed to avoid the possibility of disconnection. I understand the industries have found no difficulty in so assisting those who have contacted them. It seems right to leave it to the individual disabled person whether or not to approach the industries to take advantage of this facility.