Dr. Paul McGowan:

I would concur that clearly there is an equity issue if some people have meters and are subject to an excess charge and those without meters would not be subject to it. That is why we suggested that while we were not at this time recommending a full-scale metering programme, it was something that would have to be considered. However, in the meantime there were a number of options that could be pursued, to some of which Mr. Jerry Grant has alluded, such as bulk metering for multi-unit developments or, for example, a requirement for all new builds to have meters installed. There was also the idea that we might have an opt-in scheme where there could be a form of rebate on a notional charge that the Government was paying on the household's behalf. These were ideas that were put forward in the interests of trying to show that the equity issue was being addressed.