§ 33. Mr. Mappasked the Minister of Power what replacement policy is followed by the gas boards in respect of old gas mains laid in the highways and liable to fracture by frost or earth conditions; and if he will make a statement on recent cases in Oldham where gas has escaped into homes with fatal consequences.
§ Mr. WoodThe boards make systematic leakage surveys and take into consideration various factors, in order to determine the condition of particular mains and to decide when they need replacement. The risk of fracture is increased by severe frost, and I am very sorry indeed that three people died in Oldham as a result of such a fracture in the very cold weather after last Christmas.