asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy the checks that are carried out by inspectors from his Department on the accuracy of household ESB meters, so as to ensure that customers are getting correct unit measurement.

Checks on ESB meters are not carried out by inspectors from my Department. I am satisfied, however, that the meters used by the board are most reliable instruments and that great care is taken to ensure their accuracy. Should any customer consider that his meter is not recording accurately he can arrange to have the meter tested.

Is the Minister of State aware that while the consumer can demand that his meter is checked, he must pay for it?

Yes.

How much will he have to pay?

£5.

Is the Minister of State aware that flat dwellers are uneasy concerning the calibration of meters? What steps are open to such tenants?

The meter can be tested for a fee of £5.

By the ESB?

No, by the individual.

As there is an uneasiness among tenants, will the Minister appoint inspectors in the Department?

It is not considered necessary to change the present system.

The Minister of State is quite happy with that?

I am as happy as the Deputy's leader was when answering questions in this House in March, 1974, when he was asked a similar question by Deputy C. Murphy. Deputy FitzGerald said that he was informed by the ESB that meters used by the board were of a very high standard and that great care was taken to ensure their accuracy.

It is extraordinary how well up the Minister of State is on what a Coalition Minister said——

The Deputy should not be so sensitive.

It is interesting to see how the Minister of State spends his time.

Order.

Has the Minister of State had representations made to his Department——

I wish to draw attention to the fact that the microphones are not working today.

It will cost £5 to have them checked.

If the Minister of State did not have such a strong voice we would not know what was going on.

If a customer pays £5 and asks to have a meter checked, and if the meter is found to be faulty, is the fee returnable?

As far as I understand, Yes.