Gas debt warning was 'possible'

Neighbours who had not seen the couple for a while alerted police

Social Services could have been alerted to the plight of a south London couple found dead after their gas supply was cut off, information officials said.

British Gas told an inquest the Data Protection Act stopped them passing on information about George Bates, 89, and his wife Gertrude, 86, from Tooting.

Information Commissioner Richard Ross said if a significant risk to those involved would allow notification.

A verdict of death by natural causes was recorded on Monday.

The couple had been disconnected after a £140 bill went unpaid and they were found dead just weeks later.

It is not always easy for energy suppliers to identify those who are particularly vulnerable Richard Ross, Information Commissioner

British Gas told Westminster Coroner's Court they had tried to contact Mr and Mrs Bates on 10 separate occasions.

The company said it did not contact social services as the Data Protection Act stopped them disclosing information about debt without the customer's consent.

Neighbours in Salterton Road raised the alarm when they realised they had not seen the couple, who had lived in their home for 64 years, for some time.

The pair were found dead by police on 18 October in their lounge.

Age or infirmity

Mr Bates had died from hypothermia, emphysema and coronary heart disease and his wife from coronary heart disease.

At the inquest, it emerged that when the house was searched officers found £277 in cash on a small table in the lounge and £1,116.70 in a purse in a shoe.

In a statement Mr Ross said it was generally true the suppliers would be prevented from contacting agencies.

He went on: "However, in any circumstances, for example age or infirmity, where there are grounds for believing that cutting a particular household off would pose significant risk then the Data Protection Act would not prevent an energy supplier from notifying the relevant body.

"We recognise that there are difficult judgments to be made here and we appreciate that it is not always easy for energy suppliers to identify those who are particularly vulnerable."