§ Mr. Nigel JonesTo ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will instruct OFGAS to draw up plans for the removal of pressurised gas storage bullets from residential areas; and if she will make a statement. [52324]
§ Mr. BattleGas storage bullets are a means of providing the short-term storage capacity necessary to handle short-term (within the day) fluctuations in demand for gas, and are an integral part of the gas transportation system. In order to fulfil this function, they must be situated near to the gas consumer. Their location is an operational matter for the public gas transporter concerned, subject to planning considerations and to meeting the requirements of safety legislation enforced by 359W the HSE. The HSE has the power to prohibit any activity, including the storage of gas, if it involves the risk of serious personal injury.