asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what action he proposes to take on the recommendation of the North Thames Gas Consultative Council that the 1948 Gas Act should be amended to provide that a police officer must accompany any official sent to force entry into private premises.

Although the provisions relating to forcible entry by officers of gas undertakings have remained virtually unchanged since 1871, I think there may be grounds for their modification. I am examining the possibility of bringing these powers into line with more recent legislation.