§ Mr. DrewTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what his policy is on the compulsory registration of gas fitters according to the Corgi Standard; and how many complaints his Department has received in the last year over the action of unregistered gas fitters. [123498]
§ Mr. BrowneFor many years health and safety legislation has required anyone carrying out work on gas appliances to be competent and registered with the Council for Registered Gas Installers (CORGI). This legislation is enforced by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Over the last year my Department has received one complaint about unregistered gas fitters.
In addition, registered fitters and members of the public report fitters suspected of working illegally to CORGI. Where, on investigation, CORGI finds evidence of unregistered working, it will pass the information to HSE for further action. In the year 2002–03, CORGI reported details of 1,003 unregistered fitters to HSE. Complaints about unregistered fitters may also be made directly to HSE area offices, though HSE's current database does not enable these to be quantified separately from other gas-related complaints and reports.
HSE's policy is to follow up all gas-related complaints and reports that it receives, including those about unregistered fitters, and where appropriate take enforcement action.