§ Mr. Eadieasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will, in the public interest, investigate the possibility of a gas leak detector being made available to the general public; and what advice he has received to date on the likely cost of such an appliance.
§ Mr. RidleyI understand that such detectors are already available. The more sophisticated models as used by the gas industry cost £200 or more but cheaper ones are on sale for £20 or so. Gas supplied to the public must by law have a distinctive smell and chemical odorants are added to ensure this. For the public the nose is the readiest detector, and if an escape of gas is suspected it is important that it should be reported immediately to the Area Board.