I think the problem you have is that the meter belongs to the relevant company, and not you, so you don't really have a say in the matter.
I suppose the argument is that it's easier for the gas co to read the meters, and it does remove the item from your house, so in their minds, they're sort of doing you a service.
I know removing my meter from my front room would mean a hefty dose of redecorating though, and I doubt they'd reimburse me for that! Not an ideal situation, but I'm not sure there is much you could do - I;m sure someone on here will have a better grasp of the law