§ Mr. Richard Pageasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether the Government have reached a decision concerning the recommendation of the review committee on insolvency law and practice, chaired by Sir Kenneth Cork, that the public utilities, on the insolvency of a customer, should be restrained from threatening to cut off supplies unless the outstanding debt is paid in full.
§ Mr. FletcherThe Government have now considered this recommendation of the review committee and has decided that the major monopoly utilities, which provide services which are essential to the conduct of all businesses, should not be able to secure more favourable treatment than other creditors on the insolvency of a customer by threatening to discontinue supplies. It is intended that the necessary legislative provisions will be introduced into the forthcoming Insolvency Bill in the course of its passage through Parliament.