asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will take steps to stop energy boards using warrant sales in Scotland to collect arrears.

My right hon. Friend's responsibility for the operations of energy boards in Scotland extends only to the Scottish electricity boards. The action to be taken to recover debt in particular cases is a matter for the boards' commercial judgment, and he has no power to intervene. I understand, however, that it is only on extremely rare occasions that the boards have warrant sales carried out.