Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what discussions his Department has had with the courts on properly ensuring that prepayment meter installations under court warrants are being done on a case-by-case basis.

The Gas Act 1986 and the Electricity Act 1989 give utility suppliers a right of entry to premises to fit a prepayment meter in the event of payment default. Where that right cannot be exercised, for example where access is denied or the premises are vacant, the provider can apply to a justice of the peace for a warrant to enforce the right.

Prior to such an application, a notice is sent to the occupier of the premises to the effect that such an application will be made, and that if the occupier wishes to make representations concerning the application, it can be listed at a convenient local court.

Applications are dealt with by the justice of the peace in the manner prescribed by law and procedure. My Department has no right or role to intervene in that process, or to interfere in the administration of justice.