Mr. Huntasked the Secretary of State for Energy (1) which of the recommendations contained in the report of the inquiry into serious gas explosions submitted to 564W him in June 1977 have been implemented and when; and if he will identify the action taken;
(2) what effect he considers the action taken on the recommendations of the inquiry into serious gas explosions submitted 12 months ago has had in reducing the danger to the public from gas explosions;
(3) what progress has been made towards replacing those parts of the gas distribution system which are laid in grey cast iron mains and which are most at risk; and if he is satisfied with the present plans.
§ Dr. John CunninghamA special report was placed in the Library of the House last December, listing action which was already in hand to carry out the numerous recommendations of the King report which fell to the British Gas Corporation to implement. This special report was referred to in the answer of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Energy to a Question from the hon. Member for Dunfermline (Mr. Hunter)—[Official Report, 15th December 1977; Vol. 941, c. 315–17.] The corporation informs me that it has proceeded with all those measures. I would mention in particular its continued publicity campaign to stimulate and maintain public awareness of gas safety, and the enhanced programme of mains replacement. The mains renewal rate in the year to 31st March last was just over twice that in the previous year, reflecting a rapid build-up which is on schedule to achieve this recommendation.
The effect of all these measures cannot readily be quantified, but they must obviously help to improve safety. In particular, the publicity campaign should have made the public very much more aware of potential hazards and the precautions they should take.