HC Deb 13 April 2000 vol 348 cc246-7W
Mr. Sayeed

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what recent discussions he has held with representatives of the Health and Safety Executive regarding excess gas flow valves. [118593]

Mr. Meacher

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE), on behalf of the Health and Safety Commission (HSC), is undertaking a fundamental review of the current health and safety regime for the installation and use of gas to determine whether, or how far, changes are needed to the existing system of control.

The use of excess gas flow valves is one of the many issues being considered in the review. HSE officials have twice met a manufacturer of excess gas flow valves; and HSE has received a written submission from them in response to the fundamental review's discussion document.

Mr. Sayeed

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what recent representations he has received about gas safety in domestic dwellings. [118596]

Mr. Meacher

A fundamental review of the current health and safety regime for the installation and use of gas is currently being conducted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) on behalf of the Health and Safety Commission (HSC). Over 650 replies have been received so far in response to the discussion document "Gas safety review: Options for change" published in November 1999 and recent related consultative exercises in Glasgow and Lambeth.

Mr. Sayeed

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many gas explosions have occurred in each of the past five years in domestic properties. [118594]

Mr. Meacher

In the period 1995–99 (last available figure to date) the number of gas-related explosions/fires in domestic premises reported to the HSE under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations was as follows:

Year Number
1994–95 35
1995–96 42
1996–97 40
1997–98 45
1998–99 137
1 Subject to validation

Mr. Sayeed

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to discuss with housing bodies installation of excess gas flow valves in(a) high rise flats and (b) other domestic properties at risk from gas explosions. [118595]

Mr. Meacher

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE), on behalf of the Health and Safety Commission (HSC), is undertaking a fundamental review of the current health and safety regime for the installation and use of gas to determine whether, or how far, changes are needed to the existing system of control. The use of excess gas flow valves in all domestic properties, including high rise flats, is being considered as part of the review.