HC Deb 26 January 1977 vol 924 cc631-2W
40. Mr. Lipton

asked the Secretary of State for Energy whether, in view of many recent gas explosions causing damage to persons and property, he will give a general direction to the British Gas Corporation to waive its charges for repairing gas leaks.

Mr. Eadie

The British Gas Corporation levies no charge for any call to investigate a suspected gas leak, nor is there any charge for making safe any leak found. This action may involve cutting off an individual appliance or, where the source of the leak is not immediately apparent, turning off the supply at the meter. A charge is normally made only where a permanent repair is made to an appliance or to pipework which is not the property of British Gas.

Mr. Richard Wainwright

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will list in the Official Report the date and location of each serious gas explosion that has occurred in the United Kingdom during the last three months, involving hospitalisation of one or more persons.

Dr. John A. Cunningham

Statistics for recent months are still subject to revision. I am therefore asking the Chairman of British Gas to write to the hon. Member as soon as these figures have been established.

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