§ Mr. AltonTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy what discussions he has had with the chairman of the electricity companies about the levels of theft of electricity; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Heathcoat-AmoryMy right hon. Friend and I meet the chairmen from time to time and we discuss a range of issues.
§ Mr. AltonTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy what research his Department is funding into the development of technology to reduce the level of theft of electricity in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. Heathcoat-AmoryNone. Research into the development of technology to reduce the level of theft of electrictity is a matter for electricity supply companies.
§ Mr. AltonTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he has any plans to introduce increased penalties for the theft of electricity; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John PattenI have been asked to reply. We have no plans to increase the maximum penalty of five years imprisonment for the offence of abstracting electricity.