HC Deb 19 January 1987 vol 108 c403W
Mr. Madden

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will introduce legislation to oblige gas and electricity suppliers to desist from disconnecting households with elderly people or young children during winter months; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Goodlad

The Gas and Electricity industries operate a code of practice on disconnection, which is monitored by their consumers' councils. The code is designed to safeguard households which contain young children or pensioners, and provides that no pensioner household will be disconnected between 1 October and 31 March. I believe these measures operate satisfactorily.

Mr. Madden

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will introduce legislation to require gas and electricity suppliers not to disconnect supplies to domestic households unless the occupier has been given prior written notice giving reasonable notice of disconnection; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Goodlad

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him today. The industries' procedures provide for adequate written notice where disconnection is being considered.