HC Deb 21 January 1985 vol 71 cc290-1W
Mrs. Rumbold

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if, in his review of the two serious gas explosions in a week, he will include in the matter whether there are sufficient telephone lines to gas offices to enable people to report leaks.

Mr. Peter Bottomley

I understand that the British Gas Corporation believes that its existing arrangements are adequate but is keeping them under continual review.

Mrs. Rumbold

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if, following the two recent gas explosions, the Health and Safety Executive will review the extent of the smell in North sea gas to establish whether it is strong enough to give sufficient warning of leaks.

Mr. Peter Bottomley

The Gas Quality Regulations which require gas to have a distinctive smell are administered by my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Energy.

The level and type of chemical stenching agent added to gas is such that gas leaks can be detected by smell at a concentration of gas in air which is a fraction of the concentration which will burn or explode. Experience has shown that any increase in the smell results in false alarms which could divert resources from real emergencies. The conclusions of the King report of 1977 were that the oderant used is satisfactory with regard to smell, impact and intensity and that any increase in odour level would not increase safety. The Health and Safety Executive believe this view is still valid.

Mrs. Rumbold

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if, following the serious gas explosions in Mitcham and Morden, the Health and Safety Executive will review the nature of the advice given to householders when reporting a gas leak about minimising risk.

Mr. Peter Bottomley

It is the British Gas Corporation's responsibility to advise householders of the risks of the gas it supplies. I am advised that the corporation runs a regular publicity campaign in the press and on television to stress the importance of reporting gas leaks promptly and to advise householders of the action to take in an emergency.

A leaflet for consumers, 'Help Yourself to Gas Safety' is available from British Gas showrooms. The Health and Safety Executive will be putting out a revised leaflet, 'The Gas Regulations for Everybody's Safety'. Its message is that people should report suspected gas leaks promptly, they should turn off the gas supply, open the windows and ensure there is no source of ignition.