I WOULD like to hear from others who have switched to one supplier of gas and electricity which seemed to us a sensible idea in view of all the savings we were to inherit. We opted to stay with British Gas. Our direct debit for 1989-99 was £23.50 per calendar month, which kept pace with amount used.

We recently received the 1999-2000 direct debit demand of £33 per month, a massive rise of over 40pc, which more than wiped out the benefit of Father Christmas Brown's £100 for pensioners. Then I noticed that, despite numerous visits by different meter readers, I had an estimated reading bill which was far above the reading I took myself after the shock bill arrived. By phone I complained and gave the lady the correct reading. The direct debit was reduced to £29.50 which the harsh winter may have justified.

But if this practice has been carried out in every consumer's home, British Gas will soon have a considerable surplus in the bank on which interest will multiply - but none of that will be used for the benefit of customers.

As a staunch Labour supporter who voted for Dr Brian Iddon, I expect him to use his zeal in stamping out this type of rip-off, instead of being keen to promote the fluoride introduction, which could well be harmful to babies especially, and old fogies like me - both without teeth.

Mr J Tonge

Mottershead Avenue,

Little Lever,

Bolton.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.