§ Mr. Nicholas Wintertonasked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he is now able to put forward proposals to implement the Government's announced intention to introduce a rigorous system for the licensing of gas installers and ensure that private sector installers are on equal footing with British Gas; and what consultations have taken place with representatives of the gas installing industry.
§ Mr. GummerThe form of regulations for the control of gas installers is under consideration. These regulations will complement the revised Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations which I intend to make shortly. They will apply to private sector installers in the same way that they will apply to the British Gas Corporation. They will develop the safety regime established by the previous Gas Safety Regulations 1972. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Energy who had the responsibility of preparing the regulations, arranged for consultation with representatives of the gas installation industry.