§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Employment what public relations activity he has initiated to emphasise the characteristics of gas and the hazards which may result from mistakes or ill-considered actions by customers when using gas.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyThe British Gas Corporation is responsible for the safe day-to-day operation of the gas supply system and mounts regular publicity campaigns explaining how to use gas safely.
The Health and Safety Executive is publishing a leaflet "The Gas Regulations for Everybody's Safety" aimed at householders and all who use gas. It draws attention to the nature of the hazards of gas and the need for adequate ventilation and regular maintenance of appliances, and stresses that by law only competent installers may work with gas. It also gives advice on what people should do if they suspect a gas leak.
The leaflet will be well publicised and will shortly be available from citizens advice bureaux, gas showrooms, gas suppliers, public libraries, the regional gas consumers councils, regional offices of the Confederation of Registered Gas Installers and the Health and Safety Executive.
§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Employment what research and developments have taken 581W place in the last five years with the aim of producing fixed automatic gas alarms which are cheap, reliable, safe and with little need for maintenance.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyResearch and development into gas detection equipment has been going on during the last five years. There is now a wide range of fixed automatic gas alarms, but the capital and maintenance costs are such that they are only suitable for industrial use.
Domestic gas alarms are available but they are expensive and have not proved to be reliable. The Health and Safety Executive shares the view of the King report that in domestic premises the odour of gas is still the best warning.
§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Employment what offices have been established for the purpose of compiling data information on gas explosions received in collaboration with the police, ambulance services, fire brigades, gas, water and electricity authorities.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyThe Health and Safety Executive receives information specifically relating to gas incidents from gas suppliers. It is used in policy and enforcement work. It is the executive's practice to make accident information available in its industry section reports. In addition, the Home Office publishes annual figures relating to fires attended by local authority fire brigades.