HC Deb 22 July 1977 vol 935 cc767-8W
Mr. Spearing

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what recent estimates have been made of (a) the capital cost of replacing cast-iron gas pipes now at risk through fracture resulting from ground movement from heavy traffic, and (b) of the effects on average operating costs per ton mile per heavy vehicle over eight tons unladen weight, of adding interest at 15 per cent. of the above capital sum to the operating costs of such vehicles.

Mr. Horam

The information requested by my hon. Friend is not available. The Department is at present considering the report of the Inquiry into Serious Gas Explosions so far as transport is concerned, and officials of the Department are in touch with officials of the Department of Energy and the British Gas Corporation.