Consumer representation in British nationalized industries: Does it work effectively?

The nationalized British Gas Corporation is required by statute to consult with its customers through the medium of regionally organzed Gas Consumers' Councils. This paper describes the work of these Councils, reports on criteria for judging the effectiveness of them, and comments of an evaluation of them conducted by Justice. The author of the paper, who is Deputy Chairman of a Regional Council, then presents his own assessment, and comments on the future of consumer representation in this industry.