§ Mr. Proctorasked the Secretary of State for Energy what tests are applied by his Department to electricity meters; how meters which are tested are sealed; and what evidence he has that meters sealed by his Department have been tampered with in London, or that inaccurate meters have been deliberately issued.
§ Mr. Giles ShawMeter examiners employed by the Department carry out tests on electricity meters — as specified in directions issued by the electricity commissioners under the Electricity Supply (Meters) Act 1936 — before certifying them as being capable of ascertaining the supply of electricity within allowable limits of error.
The sealing of such meters is carried out by electricity board employees in accordance with the directions issued on 28 July 1980 by the Secretary of State under section 30 of the Electricity Act 1957.
I do not have any direct knowledge of any sealed meters being tampered with, but if my hon. Friend has any evidence of such cases I would be glad to consider the matter further.
There is no evidence of inaccurate meters being issued.