Electricity Disconnections

Oral Answers to Questions — Energy – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 4 July 1983.

Alert me about debates like this

Photo of Mr Tom Cox Mr Tom Cox , Tooting 12:00, 4 July 1983

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will have discussions with the chairman of the Electricity Council about disconnection of supply.

Photo of Mr Giles Shaw Mr Giles Shaw , Pudsey

My right hon. Friend meets the chairman of the Electricity Council from time to time as necessary but he has no immediate plans to discuss this matter with him.

Photo of Mr Tom Cox Mr Tom Cox , Tooting

I note that reply, but is the Minister not aware that disconnection is a real problem because, despite all the supposed promises and the supposed codes of conduct, many people, especially the elderly and disabled, often face the disconnection of supplies? Is it not time that, at local area level, clear guidelines are given before disconnections take place? Will the Minister seek to make this point to the chairman of the Electricity Council?

Photo of Mr Giles Shaw Mr Giles Shaw , Pudsey

I understand the hon. Gentleman's anxiety about disconnections. He and the House will be pleased to note that the volume of disconnections this year is about 25 per cent. down on last year. In the first quarter of this year a further 10 per cent. reduction took place compared with the first quarter of last year. The electricity industry is seeking to reduce the difficulties. The Electricity Consumers Council is monitoring the new code of practice and is specifically examining the problem.

Photo of Mr John Cartwright Mr John Cartwright , Woolwich

Does the Minister accept that when the procedures under the code of practice and the fuel direct scheme break down families can be disconnected and remain so for lengthy periods? Does he accept that that must cause hardship? What steps is he taking to establish the extent of the problem and to ensure that when consumers are disconnected they are not forgotten?

Photo of Mr Giles Shaw Mr Giles Shaw , Pudsey

The hon. Gentleman is right. I appreciate the extreme hardship that is caused by delays in reconnection. The Electricity Consumers Council will be looking at that problem when it examines the operation not only of disconnection and the duress that some people must suffer, but the speed with which they can be reconnected.