Energy Bill

I was somewhat alarmed by the image, put forward by the hon. Member for South Thanet (Dr. Ladyman), of meters that switched regularly between suppliers and got people the best tariff. That sounds wonderful in theory, but the hon. Gentleman's experience of switching might be different from mine. I am not sure that I would like my meter to change my direct debit or credit card charges. That is the big problem with what the hon. Member for Northavon (Steve Webb) has suggested. If a meter switches regularly by the second or minute, how would we deal with the billing? The fuel poor do not switch because, as the hon. Gentleman said, they are not familiar with the technology, but if someone is getting a blizzard of different bills from different companies for different sections of their energy use, that would make matters worse. We should not be looking for a brave new world of smart meters that goes beyond what is realistic in respect of what people can deal with. We must bring the issue back to that position.