§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Energy (1) what is the length of the national gas network in the United Kingdom; and what is the average age of the pipe;
(2) what length of new gas pipe is laid and what length of old pipe is replaced annually;
(3) what is the average cost per mile of relaying gas pipelines.
§ Dr. J. Dickson MabonI am asking the Chairman of British Gas to write direct to the hon. Member concerning these details.
§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Energy what information he has on any correlation between age of gas pipe and liability to fracture; and whether crystallisation of the metal or fatigue have given rise to concern for public safety.
§ Dr. J. Dickson MabonI am informed that age is merely one of several factors affecting the liability of gas pipes to fracture, so that there is no close correlation betwen the two. Nor have I any reason to think that metal crystallisation or fatigue are particularly significant factors. I am, however, assured that all these matters will be covered by the inquiry team.
§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Energy (1) if the inquiry recently set up to look into accidents will consider whether increased pressure employed for the distribution of natural gas as opposed to carbonisation gas has had any adverse effect on hemp-pitch joints sealed with lead;
(2) whether the inquiry recently set up to look into accidents will take into account the average depth of gas pipes in urban areas, whether they are laid below the depth of frost penetration in a normal United Kingdom winter and the effect of excessive cold on the safety of the United Kingdom network.
749W
§ Dr. J. Dickson MabonI am assured that the inquiry team will be studying any possible correleation between such factors as pressure or climatic effects, and leaks from the gas distribution system.