Domestic Supplies

HC Deb 06 July 1982 vol 27 cc62-3W

Mr. Cartwright

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will take steps to ensure that domestic gas and electricity consumers are aware of the changes in the code of practice on disconnection for debt.

Mr. Mellor

I announced details of the changes in my statement to the House on 29 March. This was widely reported in the press. Further publicity is primarily a matter for the industries. I understand they will be making arrangements to distribute and publicise the revised code when it is published.

Mr. Cartwright

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what steps he is taking to monitor the success of the revised code of practice on the disconnection of domestic gas and electricity consumers.

Mr. Mellor

As I announced to the House on 29 March the gas and electricity consumers' councils and local area electricity consultative councils have agreed to monitor implementation of the changes and to continue to monitor all aspects of the operation of the code of practice. I understand they are in touch with the industries about monitoring arrangements. I will also continue to maintain a close interest in the operation of the code.

Mr. Cartwright

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will monitor the performance of electricity boards in honouring their undertaking to contact all domestic consumers whose supply has been cut off for one month or more in order to reach an agreed basis on which the supply can be restored.

Mr. Mellor

As I announced to the House on 29 March, the consumers' councils have agreed to monitor the changes to the code of practice. Monitoring of this particular exercise is a matter for the Electricity Consumers Council. I shall be kept informed of developments.

Mr. Cartwright

asked the Secretary of State for Energy whether he will invite British Gas to introduce a system of contacting domestic consumers who have been cut off for a month or more in order to agree a basis on which their supply can be reconnected.

Mr. John Moore

I understand that the British Gas Corporation does not, at the moment, intend to introduce such a scheme. The proposal that this should be done for electricity consumers is the result of an initiative by the Electricity Council to deal with long-term disconnections in its industry, where they are a greater problem than for gas.