Carbon monoxide awareness is a cross government issue with Government Departments, devolved administrations and other governmental agencies having an interest. The Cross Government Group on Gas Safety and Carbon Monoxide Awareness has been set up to co-ordinate activity and to share information, to raise awareness of carbon monoxide poisoning. This group publishes an annual report of its activity and the latest report was published on 18 November. A copy of the report can be obtained from the Health and Safety Executive's website at: http://www.hse.gov.uk/gas/domestic/cross-government-group.htm

As I announced to the House during Oral Questions on 6 November, my Department is taking forward a review into the condition of domestic property in the private rented sector to ensure that there is a robust system in place to check that tenants’ homes are safe and healthy with appropriate standards of hygiene and sanitation. Amongst other things, the review will consider whether landlords should be required to install carbon monoxide and smoke alarms in their properties.

My Lords, this matter will be discussed during the Energy Bill debates later today but I can announce to the House now that my department will be undertaking a formal review of the rules and regulations relating to carbon monoxide alarms in rented homes. This will consider the technical questions of how best to ensure safety in the home, as well as regulatory mechanisms, given the overlapping regimes of building regulations, fire safety and housing standards.