§ Mr. Dudley Smithasked the Minister of Technology (1) who will head the independent inquiry into the natural gas conversion programme;
(2) if he will name those appointed to conduct the independent inquiry into the natural gas conversion programme;
(3) when the independent inquiry into the natural gas conversion programme will begin its work; and how long he estimates it will take to report;
(4) whether hon. Members whose constituents have had their homes converted to natural gas will be invited to give evidence to the independent inquiry on the natural gas conversion programme.
§ Sir J. Edenasked the Minister of Technology (1) if he will list the interests which he has recommended the independent inquiry into the safety of natural gas to consult in the course of its investigation;
(2) if the independent inquiry into the safety of natural gas will also look into the selection and training of the conversion teams; and if he will give further details of its terms of reference;
(3) if he will name the chairman and members of the independent inquiry into the safety of natural gas, together with the interests and organisations they represent.
§ Mr. John Pageasked the Minister of Technology if he will give a general direction to the gas boards to ensure that a private individual whose gas appliances are converted for the use of natural gas, but whose appliances consistently fail to operate either satisfactorily or as satisfactorily as with the old gas after frequent visits have been made 228W by engineers of the local gas authority, is given full compensation.
Mr. Alan WilliamsNo. This is not a matter on which the issue of a general direction would be appropriate.