asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether, in the light of recent explosions, he has any proposals to make which will help alleviate the fear of those living in densely built-up areas adjacent to industrial premises storing or manufacturing highly combustible substances.

Following the Flixborough explosion the Health and Safety Commission has set up an Advisory Committee on Major Hazards to study the safety and siting of major industrial premises. In the meantime the Health and Safety Executive is advising local authorities, who have powers to discontinue a use, about the risks in particular cases.