§ 90. Mr. Awberyasked the Paymaster-General if he is aware of the many serious gas explosions which have taken place recently; and if he will have an inquiry made into the causes of these, the growing danger from corroded and decayed mains, some of which are half a century old, and also the suitability of the mains now used; and what precautionary measures are being taken.
§ Sir I. HorobinMy noble Friend has received full reports of the gas accidents to which the hon. Member refers and the Gas Council is urgently examining all means of reducing gas escapes from mains. The available evidence does not however suggest that age or corrosion of the pipe is the major cause of gas accidents or that this was a contributory factor in any of the recent cases. As regards precautionary measures it is the function of the emergency services of the gas boards to deal immediately with any escapes.