§ 25. Sir H. BRITTAINasked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the series of gas explosions and burst water mains in London recently, he will cause an inquiry to be instituted as to the effect of modern traffic weights and speed on underground services?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI have no information that would lead me to suppose that the occurrences to which my hon. Friend refers were due to the weight and speed of road traffic, and in any case it is neccessary to await the Report of the Commission appointed to inquire into the series of explosions in Holborn before considering the question of any further inquiry.
§ 22. Sir ROBERT THOMAS (for Mr. Hore-Belisha)asked the Minister of Transport whether his Department is looking into the causes of the recent underground explosions in London; and whether any steps are being taken to prevent their recurrence as far as possible?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI have been asked to reply. Immediately on the occurrence of the explosion of 20th December, I consulted the other Government Departments concerned and the London County Council and with their concurrence appointed a small commission of experts "to inquire into the circumstances of the series of explosions and fires which occurred on the 20th and 21st December … and to make a report to me thereon, adding any observations or recommendations which they may think right to make with a view to minimising risks to life and property in the future." The Commission met on 22nd December, and has been proceeding actively with its inquiries. It is obviously necessary to wait for its report and recommendations before deciding on future action.