§ Mr. Molloyasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will order an inquiry into recent gas explosions; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BennI have set up, in conjunction with Sir Denis Rooke, Chairman of the British Gas Corporation, a three-man inquiry under the chairmanship of Dr. P. J. King to investigate all the circum-348W stances surrounding the recent series of explosions involving gas. The report will be presented to Parliament and published as soon as possible.
The terms of reference of the inquiry are as follows:
- 1. To examine all the circumstances surrounding the recent incidents at Bristol, Brentford, Beckenham, Bradford and elsewhere and to establish the extent of common factors that may have been present against the background of the statistics relating to recent experience of serious gas explosions.
- 2. To consider any improvements to existing procedures or systems, or any new measures, which might reasonably be implemented and could be expected to lead to a reduction in the severity of such incidents.
- 3. To report jointly thereon to the Secretary of State for Energy and the Chairman of British Gas, and on any other related matter which the Chairman of the Inquiry considers to be relevant, or which is specifically referred to them.