§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he proposes to initiate discussions between the gas and electricity boards and the local authority associations consequent upon the implementation of the new housing benefit regulations, with a view to minimising indebtedness.
§ Mr. ParkinsonNo. Both industries operate a code of practice on the payment of bills which contains a number314W of safeguards for those in genuine difficulty and sets out a variety of "pay as you go" schemes to help consumers. The code stresses the importance of consumers who are having difficulty paying their bills informing their gas or electricity supplier at an early stage.