§ Mr. Bill MichieTo ask the President of the Board of Trade if the Office of Gas Supply Regulation has the power to specify that gas supply companies should consult with other organisations regarding their joint response to an emergency or a potential emergency; and if she will make a statement. [34175]
§ Mr. BattleMatters of safety regulation are for the Health and Safety Executive rather than Ofgas. HSE's Gas Safety (Management) Regulations require gas supply companies to co-operate with the Network Emergency Co-ordinator (Transco) and any person conveying gas in the Network such as public gas transporters to ensure the 495W safety of the Network. Ofgas has no specific power to specify that gas supply companies should consult with other organisations regarding their joint response to an emergency, but the Director General of Gas Supply has a duty to consider safety in exercising her statutory functions.