HC Deb 26 July 1971 vol 822 cc2-5
3. Mr. Thomas Cox

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the statutory provisions which require gas boards to bear the cost of converting appliances to natural gas; and what rights of appeal the public have against their decisions.

The Minister for Industry (Sir John Eden)

Section 18 of the Third Schedule to the Gas Act, 1948 requires the gas boards to bear the cost of altering or replacing burners on consumers' appliances where necessary when the calorific value of gas is changed. Consumers who disagree with a board's decision can make representations to the appropriate consultative council.

Mr. Cox

I note that reply and thank the Minister for his courtesy in the correspondence which we have had on the matter. However, in view of the widespread criticism being expressed throughout the country arising from the difficulties of conversion to natural gas and, in particular, the very real problems faced by many elderly people in having to buy new gas heating appliances so as to ensure that they have some heating facilities, is it not time that the Minister sought consultation with the appropriate gas boards in an attempt to overcome the problems which so many people are experiencing?

Sir J. Eden

I understand the anxieties to which the hon. Gentleman has given expression, but I am equally aware that the gas boards themselves are most concerned to see, wherever possible, not only that individual consumers' interests are met but that full safety precautions are adhered to. The difficulties seem to arise chiefly in connection with ventilation.

Sir G. Nabarro

But will my hon. Friend bear in mind that, whereas we all warmly support this important development of natural gas from the North Sea, which is economically so valuable and desirable, the complaints are not confined to industrial and urban areas? Does he know that in South and West Worcestershire, for example, there is a perfect cascade of complaints from all sections of the community who have had their appliances converted, that Members of Parliament are powerless to deal with them, and that there are inordinate delays in putting matters right?

Sir J. Eden

I have found in the past that, where the sort of situation my hon. Friend describes has arisen, the gas boards go out of their way to try to meet consumers' representatives in order to deal with matters on the spot. If my hon. Friend cares to give me particulars of a case in point, I shall be only too happy to pursue it further with the gas board concerned.

6. Mr. Greville Janner

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many and what percentage of household gas cookers have now been ocnverted to natural gas without complaints; how many service or repairs calls had to be made because of complaints; what is the average delay between the date of complaint and the date when the appliance is in satisfactory working order; and how many such complaints were awaiting attention at the last available date.

Sir J. Eden

The Chairman of the Gas Council is already writing to the hon. Member and I am asking him to deal with these additional points.

Mr. Janner

Is the Minister aware that the Chairman of the Gas Council has not written, and that in any event there is enormous dissatisfaction among housewives all over the country about the effects of conversion to natural gas, the manner of the conversion and the way in which they have been treated? Does he think it right for the Government to take no responsibility in the matter and simply to pass it over to the Gas Council?

Sir J. Eden

Conversion is carried out by the gas boards. While I in no way minimise the concern to which hon. Members are giving expression, we should bear in mind that large numbers of appliances are being converted, and that as conversion is progressing the rate of call-back has fallen considerably.

Mr. Scott-Hopkins

Does my hon. Friend agree that it is a question of compensation? Many cookers and heaters break down after they have been converted, and there is great difficulty in obtaining compensation from the gas board concerned. In many cases the appliances cannot be used, and elderly people are having great difficulty in finding the money required to replace them.

Sir J. Eden

Some of the appliances are extremely old, and their age in itself constitutes a bit of a danger. Therefore, people would be much better advised to invest in new appliances or second-hand converted appliances which are available on preferential terms. It is in their own interests to do so.