§ Mr. Dobsonasked the Secretary of State for Energy what is the reason for the delay by his Department in acting on the report received by it on 23 October 1981 from the North Thames Gas Board on the gas explosion in Richbell House, Boswell Street, London WC1, on 6 October 1981.
§ Mr. John MooreMy Department does not take action to prosecute under the gas safety regulations whilst the police are considering a prosecution themselves. My Department did not learn of the police decision in the case of the Richbell House explosion until 27 April 1982.