Brussels, 10/07/2008 (Agence Europe) - As they did in the report on the electricity directive by their British colleague Eluned Morgan, the Socialists voted measures to protect consumers and tackle energy poverty into the La Russa report (UEN, Italy) on the gas directive in Strasbourg on 9 July (see EUROPE 9700). Austrian MEP Hannes Swoboda, who, along with Finn Reino Paasalinna penned several amendments, said the text adopted would bring better representation for consumers and greater transparency. It improved consumer access to information on their rights and what to do if there were to be a dispute, by setting up single contact points in all member states. Furthermore, an amendment requires member states to take the necessary action to ensure appropriate protection for vulnerable consumers, for example, by not allowing energy supplies to retired and handicapped people to be cut off in winter. (E.H./transl.rt)