asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will introduce legislation to remove from electricity boards the sanction of cutting off the electricity supply for the non-payment of debts, where the debt relates to the operations of their retail outlets and not the supply of electricity; and if he will make a statement.

Electricity boards have the power of disconnection under section 21 of the Electric Lighting Act 1882 and section 18 of the Electric Lighting Act 1909. In both cases, the power is confined to disconnection for debts in respect of the supply of electricity, and may not be exercised where there is a bona fide dispute.