§ 20. Mr. Palmerasked the Secretary of State for Energy if, in view of recent gas explosions, he will give a general direction to the Gas Corporation to take urgent action to reduce the quantities of gas leaking from distribution networks into the ground and hence through ducts 3W and other open channels into buildings of all kinds.
§ Mr. BennI am assured that British Gas is taking all reasonable steps to minimise gas leakage from its distribution network, subject to any new measures which might be suggested by the three-man inquiry which, as my hon. Friend will know, I have set up jointly with the chairman of the corporation. In these circumstances I do not think that a general direction would be appropriate.