HC Deb 23 February 1970 vol 796 cc791-4
6. Mr. Dodds-Parker

asked the Minister of Technology if he will institute a publicity campaign to draw attention to the dangers which can arise from the use of gas appliances.

Mr. Harold Lever

The gas industry and equipment manufacturers already provide, in various ways, ample guidance about the correct use of appliances. I shall consider whether anything more needs to be done when I have the further information which I told the House on 26th January I had called for.—[Vol. 794, c. 236.]

Mr. Dodds-Parker

Surely the right hon. Gentleman ought to take action before that, especially in view of the fact in the West Midlands there have been a that since the introduction of natural gas number of explosions? For instance, recently a house in Malvern blew up. The right hon. Gentleman ought to redouble his efforts now without waiting.

Mr. Lever

I have a personal preference for getting information first and then taking action. I gather that the hon. Gentleman wants me to act in the reverse sequence.

Mr. Barnett

Would not my right hon. Friend agree that it is time we had rather more publicity? Far too many accidents are happening in our region in particular. Would he, therefore, consider the question of an independent inquiry and in the meantime suspend all conversions?

Mr. Lever

As to the first point, I am not responsible for publicity. I am responsible for getting answers to my questions in a reliable form. My hon. Friend—I do not blame him for this—is relying on general impressions. I have to have something more definite than that before I can take additional action to the full range of action which is in course at the present time.

26. Mr. Dodds-Parker

asked the Minister of Technology if he will issue general directions to the gas boards to ensure immediate attention, day or night, to any report of a suspected gas leak.

Mr. Harold Lever

No, Sir. All boards already operate a 24-hour service to deal with emergency work and attention to leaks is given the highest priority. If the hon. Member has any case of delay in mind, I shall be glad to ask the board concerned to look into it.

Mr. Dodds-Parker

I am grateful for the fact that, unlike what he said in a previous reply, the right hon. Gentleman is not to establish a Royal Commission to look into the matter, but there have been cases in which there have been hours, if not days, of delay.

Mr. Lever

I am continuing the policy of seeking information first and taking action immediately thereafter.

27. Mr. Lane

asked the Minister of Technology whether he will give a general direction to the Gas Council to slow down the natural gas conversion programme.

Mr. Harold Lever

No, Sir.

Mr. Lane

We all want the natural gas programme to succeed, but will the Minister bear in mind that there is much dissatisfaction among consumers in areas which have been converted? What positive steps have been taken to make certain that the rest of the programme goes more smoothly?

Mr. Lever

The maximum efforts are being made all the time to improve the conversions and to remedy completely the defects which arise, inevitably, from the conversion of, in many cases, antiquated apparatus to natural gas. There is ample evidence that the users are satisfied in the greatest number of cases, but there are, inevitably, some difficulties, and the Gas Council is doing its utmost to improve continuously its means of servicing.

Mr. Moyle

Is my right hon. Friend aware that many people want to see the momentum of the conversion programme maintained to the utmost, because they will then find it easier to install gas-fired appliances, as opposed to oil-fired appliances. Perhaps that is what hon. Gentlemen opposite have in mind.

Mr. Lever

I am aware of the situation which my hon. Friend has indicated, which, unlike the suggestion that we should slow up or stop conversions, makes sound economic sense.

Mr. David Howell

If the Minister will not give a directive to the Gas Council, will he at least point out to it the obvious unwisdom of attempting to push through the programme at this faster speed during a very cold period, as this causes more suffering and difficulty, as it has done to many of my constituents?

Mr. Lever

All aspects of the matter are kept in mind by the gas Council, which makes every effort, on the one hand, to pursue a logical course of conversion and, on the other, to help people who have difficulties which, arise, inevitably, from it.

Mr. Barnett

Despite the obvious economic sense of the programme, with which I agree, will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that there is considerable fear among large numbers of people who are having these conversions done, and that it is not enough simply to have an assurance from the Gas Council, or from local gas boards, when there are constant leaks and explosions? Will my right hon. Friend reconsider this matter, with a view to holding an independent inquiry in order to safeguard millions of £s of national assets which are at stake?

Mr. Lever

As my hon. Friend knows, I am having a very exhaustive and speedy inquiry made within the Department and by the Gas Council. I shall take whatever action is necessary to ensure that the Gas Council fully discharges the kind of responsibilities which my hon. Friend has in mind.

Sir J. Eden

Is it not a fact that there is a far higher rate of call-back than had originally been expected? Is he satisfied that the conversion teams are as trained as they possibly can be? Would it not be desirable to take a little longer in preparing them for the task which they have in mind?

Mr. Lever

I do not say that this is the complete answer, but there is no sign of any increase in the proportion of complaints or difficulties, many of which arise from the fact that the apparatus being converted is often inadequate even for the use of town gas, and special difficulties are met with in relation to these conversions. We are dealing with this, and we shall intensify our efforts to improve the service that we are giving.