§ 37. Mr. Rankinasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will inquire into the extent to which the rigidity of gas supply fitments affects the safety of tenants in multi-storey flats.
§ Dr. Dickson MabonMy hon. Friend, no doubt has in mind the recommendations concerning the safety of gas installations made by the Tribunal of Inquiry into the collapse of flats at Ronan Point. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Power has these under consideration.
§ Mr. RankinDo I assume that we shall in due course hear that something is being done and that electricity as a source of heat and power is far safer than gas for tenants in these flats when high winds are blowing? Is an admission to that effect now expected? Will my hon. Friend tell us what he is doing?
§ Dr. MabonI can only comment that the tribunal reported that no case was made out for the permanent exclusion of gas from high blocks. My right hon. Friend has asked local authorities to cut 1528 off the gas in any case where there is the slightest doubt about the freedom of a block from danger of progressive collapse. My hon. Friend will hear more about this from the Minister of Power.
§ Mr. DempseyHow soon shall we hear something? How soon will something be done? We have 192 dwelling houses completed in Coatbridge, but allocations have been withheld because no effective action has yet been taken. Will my hon. Friend speed the matter up?
§ Dr. MabonI fully appreciate the urgency of the matter. My hon. Friend must be aware of the circular which my right hon. Friend sent out recently giving guidance to Scottish local authorities. If there are specific cases in which we can give direct help, we shall be ready to give it.