28. Mr. AdamsTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland under what authority the South of Scotland electricity board demands repayment of electricity bills which have been estimated due to faulty meters.
§ Mr. LangThe South of Scotland electricity board, in accordance with the provisions of the Electricity Supply Acts 1882 to 1936 and the schedule to the Electric Lighting (Clauses) Act 1899, or on the basis of contract, is entitled to charge for electricity which it supplies. In addition, the board relies in appropriate circumstances on section 51 of the South of Scotland Electricity Order Confirmation Act 1956, as amended, for recovery of damage caused to meters. Assessed accounts are issued to seek payment for a supply of electricity which is unrecorded because of a faulty or damaged meter, in accordance with the board's conditions for supply of electricity, and the board has confirmed that this approach has found acceptance in the courts. Moreover, the board has a clear responsibility to seek payment in this way since otherwise the cost would be borne by the general body of its consumers.