§ Mr. Gunterasked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he is aware that a number of families residing in the Wintergarden area of Canvey Island, Essex, have now been without any gas for nearly three weeks; and, as they are entirely dependent upon gas for cooking purposes if he will 405W take immediate steps to remedy the position.
§ Mr. ShinwellSince 1938 there has been a 75 per cent. increase in the demand for gas for Canvey Island, largely because many week-end cottages are now permanently occupied, sometimes by more than one family. The Wintergarden area is at the far end of the distribution system on the Island. The existing mains to Canvey Island are too small to cope with the increased quantities of gas now required. A scheme has been approved by my Department which should remedy the position by next winter.