§ 8. Mr. McKayasked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he is aware that the low pressure of gas in the Gosforth area 9 during the recent cold period was a public danger due to the gas appliances extinguishing themselves and the gas then escaping into rooms; and if he will have this matter investigated with a view to making safety regulations under Section 67 of the Gas Act, 1948.
§ Mr. Geoffrey LloydYes, Sir. Regulation 1 of the Gas (Quality) Regulations, 1949,already prescribes the minimum pressure to be maintained. When the board found themselves unable to maintain pressure because unprecedented demand exceeded their capacity to supply, they took immediate steps to warn consumers, and I am glad to say that no accidents from this cause have been reported.
§ Mr. McKayThat is all very well for some people, but can the Minister give definite information about what action it is intended to take? Is there any real possibility of improving the supplies in a short time?
§ 9. Mr. McKayasked the Minister of Fuel and Power what has been the percentage increase of gas produced in the Northern Gas Board area each year since nationalisation; and what has been the total increase up to the end of 1954.
§ Mr. Geoffrey LloydThe percentage increases in gas supplied each year since 1948 were 4.7,7.6, 4.7, 0.7, 0.3 and 6.3, respectively. The total increase has been 27 per cent.
§ Mr. McKayThose are fairly good increases. Is it correct that in the Howden plant the capacity has been increased about four times? Can the Minister explain, arising out of that increase, why there was this danger and difficulty in the Gosforth area?
§ Mr. Nabarro"Gas and Coke—Heat without smoke."
12. Miss Wardasked the Minister of Fuel and Power what representations he has received under Section 9 of the Gas Act, 1948, as a result of the consideration by the Area Consultative Council of the recent failure of gas pressure in the northern area.
§ Mr. Geoffrey LloydThe question of such representations would only arise if the Council after investigating the position were dissatisfied with the board's arrangements. I understand that their Tyneside Committee is meeting tomorrow to go fully into the matter.
Miss WardWhat use does the Minister think a consumers' council is when a whole area is suffering from lack of pressure, when there is danger, when there is a shortage of plant, when there is a tremendous Press campaign pointing out all the disadvantages of no gas and when the Minister said he did not even know we were short of pressure? What good purpose does a consultative council serve? Will the Minister please see that in future the public are told that if they make representations some action will be taken?
§ Mr. LloydI appreciate the feelings expressed by my hon. Friend and by hon. Members opposite. However, as I have already said, the supply of gas in this area has increased by 27 per cent. in recent years. There was another important plant which would have increased it by a further 10 per cent., but, unfortunately, it did not come into operation in time to meet this very high demand.