HC Deb 21 March 1955 vol 538 cc1741-2
44. Mr. A. Roberts

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will set up a committee of inquiry into the frequent causes of fractured gas mains, which have resulted in many incidents of gas poisoning with fatal results during the past few months.

Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave on 14th March to a similar Question by the hon. Lady the Member for Leeds, North-East (Miss Bacon).

Mr. Roberts

In view of the many deaths arising from these tragic circumstances, would not public opinion best be served by having an inquiry by an independent committee?

Mr. Lloyd

I think that we had better await the technical inquiry being made at the present time.

Mr. Hastings

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether there is any means of detecting small quantities of gas escaping from fractured mains apart from the smell?

Mr. Lloyd

No, Sir. The Gas Industry has given a good deal of thought to this problem but has not yet found a solution to it.