§ 48. Mr. Frank Allaunasked the Paymaster-General, in view of the deaths by gassing which have occurred recently in Lancashire and the need for a closer inspection of old gas mains to avoid such deaths in future, if he will refer this matter to the Gas Council.
§ Mr. MaudlingAs my hon. Friend, the Member for Withington (Sir R. Cary) was informed on 26th January, the general problem is already under close examination by the Gas Council. The North Western Gas Board are carrying out a systematic survey of all gas mains throughout Lancashire and the rest of their Area.
§ Mr. AllaunMay I ask the Minister how soon the Gas Council will publish the Report promised nationally last week, and also the one promised in the North-West? Secondly, in view of the alarming number of deaths in Manchester, Salford and elsewhere recently, will the Gas Council experiment with the addition of a harmless substance which gives a warning smell, as is done in certain cities on the Continent already?
§ Mr. MaudlingI would not like to give a date when we shall publish the Report, because it is a very difficult technical matter. I can assure the hon. Gentleman that the Gas Council is very well aware of the urgency of the matter. On the question of adding something to the gas in order to make it detectable when there are leaks, I gather that that has been considered and been found impracticable.