§ Mr. John Pageasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will make a statement on the causes of the explosion of propane gas cylinders on a lorry in Harrow on Monday, 15th November; and whether he is satisfied with the adequacy of regulations governing the carriage of such gas on lorries, particularly those which are not specially designed for the purpose.
§ Mr. George ThomasI am informed that the lorry was carrying a container of asphalt which was being heated, while in transit, by a gas burner, fed through a flexible feed pipe from a cylinder of propane gas. It seems possible that this pipe may have fractured; that escaping gas ignited; and that the resulting fire caused the explosion of one of three cylinders of gas. The conveyance by road of propane is not at present subject to any specific controls, but the need for appropriate regulations is being considered by my right hon. and learned Friend's Standing Advisory Committee on Dangerous Substances. All lorries are, of course, subject to the general law relating to the construction and use of road vehicles.