§ Mr. R. Edwardsasked the Paymaster-General if his attention has been drawn to the series of gas explosions in the West Midlands area, and particularly to the most recent explosion in Ashley Street, Bilston, Staffordshire, which indicates the urgent need for replacing old gas mains; and if he will refer this matter to the Gas Council.
§ Mr. MaudlingThe particular explosion referred to is, I understand, the only serious town gas explosion which has occurred in the area of the West Midlands Gas Board for a number of years. It was caused by unauthorised procedure used by a fitter in dealing with a blocked service pipe and disciplinary action has been taken. The gas main involved, although fifty years old, is in good condition and there was no leak from it.
On the second part of the Question I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Withington (Sir R. Cary) on 26th January.