(2) what discussions his Department has had with the Health and Safety Executive on the safety issues surrounding the instalment and the wearing of wires of real time displays.
The Department is in discussion with the Health Safety Executive about display devices. Early indications are that there are no safety concerns surrounding the installation of the devices, which are already available through retailers and some energy suppliers, but we will continue to discuss this issue with suppliers and the executive.
(2) what consideration the Government have given to introducing smart meters with displays in May 2008 in time to meet the Energy Services Directive.
In the Energy White Paper, the Government made clear their view that display devices could give gas and electricity customers information to help them make early reductions in their energy use. Further activity in respect of smart metering is being undertaken by the Government, in partnership with gas and electricity suppliers. In setting out their White Paper proposals on display devices, the Government indicated that they would consult on the implementation of these proposals in the context of their ambitions to see a roll-out of smart meters within 10 years.