§ .—(1) This paragraph applies where any meter through which gas has been supplied to any premises is completely disconnected, that is to say, is disconnected both from the service pipe and from all other pipes within the premises.
§ (2) Except in so far as it is not reasonably practicable for him to do so, the person making the disconnection shall—
- (a) ascertain the name and address of the owner of the meter; and
- (b) inform that owner of the disconnection and of the address at which the meter will be available for collection.
§ (3) If any person fails to comply with sub-paragraph (2) above, he shall be guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 2 on the standard scale.'.—[Mr. Eggar.]
§ Mr. EggarI beg to move amendment No. 17, in page 25, line 2, after 'informed' insert
'by any person ("the informant")'.
§ Mr. Deputy SpeakerWith this, it will be convenient to discuss Government amendments Nos. 18 and 19.
§ Mr. EggarIt might be of assistance to the House if I mentioned that these amendments give effect to a commitment that I gave in Committee, following our debates there.
Amendment agreed to. Amendments made: No. 18, in page 25, line 3, leave out from 'gas' to 'to' in line 8 and insert
'(other than one, in the case of a transporter, that he is required by sub-paragraph (1) above to prevent), he passes the information on, without avoidable delay, either—(a) to a responsible person, that is to say, a person appearing to him—No. 19, in page 25, line 9, at end insert 'or
- (i) to be responsible (whether under that sub-paragraph or otherwise) for preventing the escape; or
- (ii)".
(b) to a nominated person, that is to say, a person nominated by a responsible person to receive information about escapes of gas on his behalf.(6) There shall be a sufficient compliance with sub-paragraph (5) above if the transporter, supplier or shipper is satisfied that the informant—(7) References in sub-paragraphs (5) and (6) above to the passing on of information to a nominated person are references to the passing on of information to that person in such manner (if any) as may be specified by the responsible person by whom that person was nominated.'
- (a) intends to pass the information on, without avoidable delay, to a nominated person; and
- (b) is in a position to do so.
No. 20, in page 26, line 27, leave out 'from the supplier' and insert 'or'.
No. 21, in page 26, line 29, leave out from third 'gas' to end of line 33.
No. 22, in page 26, line 41, leave out 'gas fitting or meter' and insert
'meter or other gas fitting'.No. 23, in page 26, line 46, at end insert—