HC Deb 01 June 1981 vol 5 cc631-2
6 Mr. Gwilym Roberts

asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will make a further statement on his plans to inform the public on the dangers of blocked flues, defective chimneys and related problems.

The Minister for Consumer Affairs (Mrs. Sally Oppenheim)

In view of the 158 tragic deaths reported in England and Wales in 1979 from accidental poisoning by gas and vapours due to blocked flues and chimneys and inadequate ventilation, I propose to start a widespread publicity campaign this autumn, before the winter heating season starts. It will pay particular attention to the needs of the elderly.

Meanwhile, I hope that this reply will alert all concerned to the potential dangers of inadequate ventilation for any heater burning solid fuel, gas or oil.

Mr. Roberts

I greatly welcome the right hon. Lady's answer, and it will also be welcome to many of my constituents who bring these matters before me. What consultations will she have with local authorities and what part are they expected to play?

Mrs. Oppenheim

I thank the hon. Gentleman for his kind remarks and assure him that wide consultations took place before the planning of the publicity campaign started in order to take account of the experience of all interested parties. The consumer councils involved have played an active role in helping us to promote the scheme.

Mr. Anthony Grant

Has my right hon. Friend seen the much advertised cheap safety check scheme offered by the gas boards? How helpful does she think it will be in this context?

Mrs. Oppenheim

I have seen those advertisements. A routine check on basic services can be carried out for about £9 in London and £8 elsewhere. I am concerned that people should have safety checks, but they may lead to much higher costs and eventually to disconnection of supplies. I do not want to discourage people from having the checks, but they should not think that the quoted prices are necessarily the end of the expense.

Mr. John Fraser

Will the right hon. Lady pay tribute to the contribution to safety made by gas board showrooms and confirm that she will play no part in divesting gas boards of their retail activities?

Mrs. Oppenheim

I am always prepared to pay tribute to every part of any industry that contributes to safety. Many people right across the gas industry contribute to the safety of consumers.