HC Deb 26 January 1970 vol 794 cc239-40W
Mr. Dodds-Parker

asked the Minister of Technology if he will publish statistics as to the number of deaths and injuries caused by gas installations in private houses, whether as a result of accidents or faulty installations; and whether he will introduce legislation to deal with this source of danger.

Mr. Dudley Smith

asked the Minister of Technology if he will state the number of explosions which have occurred, following conversion of private dwellings to natural gas, as well as the number of people killed and the number injured in such explosions.

Mr. Harold Lever

Accidental deaths from gas poisoning fell from over 1,300 in 1963 to 441 in 1968, and in the first three quarters of 1969 to 187, despite a doubling in the domestic use of gas in this period. Fire Research Station statistics show that there were 156 gas explosions in domestic premises in 1968, compared with fewer than 100 in the early 1960's, but I understand most of these cases did not involve personal injury. Arrangements were initiated last year for systematic collections from the gas industry of statistics of explosions; and these will be published when available.

I announced measures to promote greater safety on 11th December in my speech on the Second Reading of the Gas Bill.—[Vol. 793, c. 717–20.]

Mr. George Craddock

asked the Minister of Technology if, in view of recent explosions caused by gas leakages, he will have a thorough examination made and make a statement.

Mr. Harold Lever

Yes. I have asked the Gas Council to provide me with full information about them.