asked the Secretary of State for Energy what steps he is taking to monitor the operation of the revised code of practice on the disconnection of gas and electricity consumers unable to pay their bills.

As my hon. Friend the Member for Putney (Mr. Mellor) informed the hon. Member in a reply given to him on 6 July—[col. 62–63]—the gas and electricity consumers' councils and the area electricity consultative councils have agreed to monitor the operation of the industries' revised code of practice. Department of Energy Ministers will maintain their interest in the operation of the code.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy whether he is continuing to obtain information from the gas and electricity industries about the numbers of consumers disconnected for debt.

Yes.