asked the Secretary of State for Energy when his Department received from North Thames Gas its report into the gas explosion in Richbell, Boswell Street, London WC1, on 6 October 1981; whether it will publish the report; whether it intends to prosecute for negligence; and if so when.

My Department received on 23 October 1981 a copy of the North Thames Gas report into this incident. The question whether to institute a prosecution under the gas safety regulations is under consideration. Publication of the North Thames Gas report is a matter for the British Gas Corporation. I shall ask the chairman to write to the hon. Member.