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Gas: Safety

Gas is widely used in households across the country. Gas is safer to use today than 10 years ago, with the number of fatalities down by a third. Yet 20 to 30 people still needlessly die every year from preventable gas-related carbon monoxide poisoning. New research suggests that faulty gas appliances are still being used in many homes and that public awareness of carbon monoxide poisoning risks is worryingly low. It is not right for the current situation to continue. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is conducting a review to improve consumer gas safety. Gas safety stakeholders need to work with the HSE in that review to produce proposals that will put in place a modern, effective gas safety regime. I am calling on the gas industry meanwhile to do all it can to increase public knowledge of the dangers of unsafe use of gas. I intend, with ministerial colleagues, to meet the industry to review its actions and progress.