§ 88. Mr. R. DAVIESasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department, as representing the Ministry of Health, whether he is aware of the growing feeling of insecurity among consumers of gas for lighting and heating purposes consequent upon dangers arising out of leakages; whether his Department has any information showing the number of complaints received from consumers in this connection; and whether he will make a statement as to the powers of the Ministry and of local authorities on the matter?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY of the BOARD of TRADE (Viscount Wolmer)I have been asked to reply. I am aware that recent occurrences have given rise to some apprehensions, but I have no information as to the numbers of complaints made to gas undertakings by consumers. Neither the Ministry of Health nor the local authorities have any powers which are applicable, but the Board of Trade, as the Department charged with the administration of the Gas Regulation Act, 1920, are in consultation with the gas undertakings and local authorities with a view to combined action in the matter. I may draw the attention of the hon. Member to the conclusions of a conference recently convened by the Board, which were printed in the OFFICIAL REPORT for the 19th February; also to the speech of the President of the Board of Trade in this House on 21st February; of which I am sending him copies.