§ Mr. Skinnerasked the Secretary of State for Energy whether he will seek to amend the Rights of Entry Act 1954 to include the right to a hearing by a consumer in a magistrates court prior to a fuel disconnection; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Giles ShawNo. A justice of the peace hearing an application by a electricity board or gas region for a warrant of entry has discretion to grant or refuse the application. Any relevant questions may be asked by the justice of the peace before a decision is made on whether or not to issue a warrant. Under the terms of the code of practice operated by the fuel industries, consumers should be given ample opportunity to reach a satisfactory400W arrangement with the board or region for payment of the amount outstanding before steps are taken to disconnect supply.