§ Mr. PickthallTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what representations she has received about the methods used by Eastern Natural Gas in acquiring new customers. [46587]
§ Mr. Battle[holding answer 22 June 1998]: My Department has received a number of representations regarding marketing methods used by gas suppliers, including some relating to Eastern Natural Gas. The Government believe that consumers who are sold gas contracts on the doorstep should have proper protection. I raised my concerns with the Director General of Gas Supply last year, and this led to Ofgas introducing, on 26 January, a new suppliers' licence condition to bring such activities under tighter control.
Among other things, the new condition includes rules on the proper selection and training of sales staff who are in direct contact with domestic customers, auditing of sales activities, schemes for paying compensation, and a ban on gas suppliers using agents who ask for payment in advance of arranging a supply of gas.
This initiative should help to further enhance consumer protection with regard to doorstep selling. I am, however, keeping the situation, including the need for further action, under review.