§ Mr. GardinerTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what percentage of the gas mains network operated by Transco is over(a) 30, (b) 50 and (c) 75 years old. [87485]
§ Mr. Nicholas BrownI am informed by the Health and Safety Executive that detailed information is unavailable. However, it was estimated in September 2001, when HSE announced the accelerated iron mains replacement programme that most iron mains—about 60 per cent.—were over 40 years old; and some were over 100 years old.
§ Mr. GardinerTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment the Heath and Safety Executive has made of Transco's system of record keeping for the gas mains network; and if he will make a statement. [87487]
§ Mr. Nicholas BrownI am informed by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) that they have met with Transco to discuss their arrangements for data handling, the last occasion being 21 November 2002. Their arrangements have been subject to an internal audit. HSE have asked for an independent review of compliance with and the quality of the arrangements themselves.