Natural Gas

HC Deb 18 March 1969 vol 780 cc189-91

3. Mr. Dudley Smith

asked the Minister of Power if he is aware of the growing number of complaints from members of the public that their gas bills have increased since conversion to natural gas; what action he proposes taking to curb this inflationary trend; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Freeson

Most of these complaints arise from misunderstanding accounts, but in a few cases, being rectified by the boards, faulty adjustment during conversion has led to excessive use of gas.

Mr. Smith

Does the hon. Gentleman not think that the disturbingly large number of faulty conversions are responsible for these increases? Is he aware that the public thought originally that natural gas would lead to smaller bills, whereas now the first bills are coming in and they are increased?

Mr. Freeson

I should not generalise from the experience which has given rise to this Question. In most instances where natural gas has come on stream there have been reductions in price. We have discussed this before. There are bound to be difficulties initially, but wherever they have been experienced they have been overcome.

Mr. Marks

While gas boards are correct in saying that natural gas is more efficient and cheaper than town gas, is my hon. Friend aware that faulty conversions, which are the cause of most of these complaints, are probably due to the fact that the men who carry out the conversions are inadequately trained and that the hours of work are far too long for efficient service? Will he ask the gas boards to consider their method of contracting out this work and doing it themselves?

Mr. Freeson

I assure my hon. Friend that we have been in touch with the gas boards concerned and with the Gas Council. I have visited a number of areas where conversion has been initiated. That there have been difficulties no one will deny, but they should not be exaggerated. In the vast majority of cases there has been no difficulty at all, but there is a sizeable minority of cases where difficulties have arisen. The boards themselves are aware of the problem and are reorganising where necessary.

30. Mr. Emery

asked the Minister of Power on how many occasions North Sea gas has found its way into pipelines still distributing town gas; how many accidents to persons and to equipment have resulted from these occurrences; and what steps he is taking to ensure greater safety to the consumer.

Mr. Freeson

Thirty-nine occasions. No accidents resulted.

Mr. Emery

Will the Minister try to ensure that this is more widely known? At present it is frequently suggested in the Press and generally that when there is an accident or explosion involving plant it is because of the change to North Sea gas. It is most important for the consumer to realise that there has been no damage or fatality.

Mr. Freeson

I agree with the hon. Gentleman. There has been some confusion on the matter in the public mind and in the Press. It has arisen because of some instances during conversion programmes when a certain amount of natural gas has escaped into the existing complex. There has been no damage in any of those instances, and the situation has been corrected very quickly. There have been no accidents as a result of those instances.