Gas Act 1972

1. Introductory Text

2. PART I New Structure for British Gas Industry

   1. The British Gas Corporation

      1. 1. The British Gas Corporation

      2. 2. Principal duties and powers of Corporation

      3. 3. Duties of Corporation towards employees, and in respect of research

      4. 4. Duties of Corporation as respects management of affairs

      5. 5. Programmes for measures involving substantial capital outlay

      6. 6. Miscellaneous powers and duties of Corporation

      7. 7. General powers of Secretary of State to give directions to Corporation and obtain information

      8. 8. Reports by Corporation to Secretary of State

   2. The consumers' bodies

      1. 9. The National Gas Consumers' Council and the Regional Gas Consumers' Councils

      2. 10. Functions of National and Regional Councils

      3. 11. Local representatives of Regional Councils

      4. 12. Supplementary provisions with respect to Councils etc.

      5. 13. Reports by Councils to Secretary of State

3. PART II Financial Provisions

   1. General financial duties of British Gas Corporation

      1. 14. Revenues of Corporation and subsidiaries to cover outgoings and allocations to reserves

      2. 15. Directions by Secretary of State as to reserves of Corporation and wholly owned subsidiaries

      3. 16. Payment of excess revenue to Secretary of State

   2. Borrowings etc.

      1. 17. Borrowing powers of Corporation

      2. 18. Borrowing by wholly owned subsidiaries

      3. 19. Limitation on total indebtedness of Corporation and wholly owned subsidiaries

      4. 20. Loans to Corporation by Secretary of State

      5. 21. British Gas Stock

      6. 22. Guarantees

   3. Accounts and audit

      1. 23. Accounts and audit

4. PART III Provisions as to Supply and Use of Gas

   1. Supply by British Gas Corporation

      1. 24. Duty of Corporation to avoid undue preference in supply

      2. 25. Methods of charge and tariffs

      3. 26. Standards of quality

      4. 27. Supply code

      5. 28. Relief to Corporation in emergency conditions

   2. Supply by other persons

      1. 29. Restrictions on supply by persons other than the Corporation, and related provisions

   3. Meter testing and stamping

      1. 30. Meter testing and stamping

   4. Safety regulations

      1. 31. Power to make safety regulations

5. PART IV Miscellaneous and Supplemental

   1. Miscellaneous

      1. 32. Position of Corporation as respects taxation etc. generally

      2. 33. Special provisions with respect to stamp duty

      3. 34. Rating of Corporation

      4. 35. Machinery for settling terms and conditions of employment etc.

      5. 36. Provisions as to pension rights

      6. 37. Compensation to members and officers of Gas Council and Area Boards, and officers of Gas Consultative Councils

      7. 38. Contributions by Secretary of State towards expenditure designed to promote employment

      8. 39. Application of Pipe-lines Act 1962

      9. 40. Meaning of "operational land" in Planning Acts

      10. 41. Adaptation to metric units

   2. Supplementary

      1. 42. Penalties

      2. 43. Provisions as to prosecutions, and as to offences by corporations

      3. 44. Service of notices etc.

      4. 45. Provisions as to regulations and orders

      5. 46. Inquiries

      6. 47. Expenses and receipts of Secretary of State etc.

      7. 48. Interpretation

      8. 49. Amendments, savings, transitional provisions and repeals

      9. 50. Short title and extent

6. SCHEDULES

   1. SCHEDULE 1

      The British Gas Corporation : Supplementary Provisions

      1. Termination of office of existing members of Gas Council

         1. 1. The terms of office of all persons who are members...

      2. Functions etc. of first members of British Gas Corporation before the appointed day

         1. 2. (1) It shall be the duty of the persons appointed...

      3. Supplementary provisions with respect to vesting of assets etc.

         1. 3. (1) The Secretary of State may provide by regulations for...

         2. 4. Every agreement to which any Area Board was a party...

         3. 5. Every agreement, whether in writing or not, and every document...

         4. 6. Paragraphs 4 and 5 above shall have effect subject to...

         5. 7. Without prejudice to the generality of paragraphs 4 and 5...

   2. SCHEDULE 2

      Acquisition of Land by Corporation

      1. PART I Powers of Acquisition

         1. 1. The Secretary of State may authorise the Corporation to purchase...

         2. 2. In paragraph 1 above " land" includes any right over...

         3. 3. (1) This paragraph applies to land which, for the purposes...

      2. PART II Procedure, Compensation etc. (England and Wales)

         1. Application of Acquisition of Land (Authorisation Procedure) Act 1946 generally

            1. 4. The Acquisition of Land (Authorisation Procedure) Act 1946 (hereafter referred...

         2. New rights: general adaptation of Act of 1946 and Compulsory Purchase Act 1965

            1. 5. The Act of 1946 and the Compulsory Purchase Act 1965...

         3. New rights: specific adaptations of Act of 1946

            1. 6. Without prejudice to the generality of paragraph 5 above, Part...

            2. 7. In paragraph 9 of that Schedule (compulsory purchase affecting land...

            3. 8. In paragraph 10 of that Schedule (land of statutory undertakers)—...

            4. 9. (1) In paragraph 11 of that Schedule (common land, open...

            5. 10. In paragraph 12 of that Schedule, for the words "...

         4. Restriction on application of paragraphs 5 to 10 above

            1. 11. So much of paragraph 5 above as relates to the...

         5. New rights: specific adaptations of Act of 1965

            1. 12. Without prejudice to the generality of paragraph 5 above, Part...

            2. 13. For section 7 of that Act (measure of compensation) there...

            3. 14. For section 8(1) of that Act (protection for vendor against...

            4. 15. The following provisions of that Act (being provisions stating the...

            5. 16. Section 11 of that Act (powers of entry) shall be...

            6. 17. Section 20 of that Act (protection for interests of tenants...

            7. 18. Section 22 of that Act (protection of acquiring authority's possession...

         6. New rights: compensation

            1. 19. The enactments in force in England and Wales with respect...

      3. PART III Procedure, Compensation etc. (Scotland)

         1. Application of Acquisition of Land (Authorisation Procedure) (Scotland) Act 1947 generally

            1. 20. The Acquisition of Land (Authorisation Procedure) (Scotland) Act 1947 (hereafter...

         2. New rights: general application of Act of 1947 and incorporated enactments

            1. 21. The enactments incorporated with this Act by virtue of Part...

         3. New rights: specific adaptations of Act of 1947

            1. 22. Paragraphs 6, 7, 8, 9(1) (so far as relating to...

            2. 23. Paragraph 16 of this Schedule shall have effect in relation...

            3. 24. For paragraph 4 of the Second Schedule to that Act...

         4. Restrictions on application of paragraphs 21 and 22 above

            1. 25. So much of paragraph 21 above as relates to the...

         5. New rights: specific adaptations of Lands Clauses Consolidation (Scotland) Act 1845

            1. 26. For section 61 of the Lands Clauses Consolidation (Scotland) Act...

            2. 27. The following provisions of that Act (being provisions stating the...

            3. 28. Paragraph 17 of this Schedule shall have effect in relation...

            4. 29. Paragraph 18 of this Schedule shall have effect in relation...

         6. New rights: compensation

            1. 30. Paragraph 19 of this Schedule shall have effect in relation...

            2. 31. This Part of this Schedule shall extend to Scotland only....

   3. SCHEDULE 3

      The Consumers' Bodies: Supplementary Provisions

      1. Remuneration and allowances, officers, accommodation etc.

         1. 1. (1) The chairman of the National Council, and the chairmen...

         2. 2. (1) The National Council and each of the Regional Councils...

         3. 3. The payments to be made under paragraphs 1 and 2...

      2. Parliamentary disqualification of paid chairmen

         1. 4. In Part III of Schedule 1 to the House of...

      3. Procedure etc.

         1. 5. (1) The Secretary of State may make regulations with respect...

         2. 6. The validity of any proceedings of the National Council or...

      4. Dissolution etc. of Regional Councils on variation of areas

         1. 7. Directions under section 9(3)(b) of this Act may contain such...

   4. SCHEDULE 4

      Gas Supply Code

      1. Laying of pipes etc.

         1. 1. Power to break up streets, bridges etc.

      2. Obligation to supply gas

         1. 2. Right to demand supply.

         2. 3. Relief from obligation to supply.

         3. 4. Stand by supply.

         4. 5. Supply to public lamps.

         5. 6. If the Corporation fail to give a supply of gas...

      3. Meters and fittings

         1. 7. Consumption of gas to be ascertained by meter.

         2. 8. Metres to be kept in proper order.

         3. 9. Placing of meters in new premises.

         4. 10. Meter to be evidence of quantity of gas supplied.

         5. 11. Alteration and replacement of burners on change of calorific value.

      4. Resale of gas supplied

         1. 12. Maximum charges for reselling gas supplied by the Corporation.

      5. Recovery of gas charges, etc.

         1. 13. Recovery of charges.

         2. 14. New occupier not to be liable for arrears.

         3. 15. Liability of occupier on quitting premises.

         4. 16. Refusal of supply to person in default.

         5. 17. Power to cut off supply in case of default.

      6. Use of antifluctuators and valves

         1. 18. Antifluctuators and valves.

      7. Penalties

         1. 19. Improper use of gas.

         2. 20. Injury to pipes and fittings and interference with meters.

         3. 21. Restoration of supply without consent.

         4. 22. Notice of connection or disconnection of service pipe.

         5. 23. Escape of gas.

      8. Rights of entry

         1. 24. Entry for purposes of inspection.

         2. 25. Entry for purposes of removing pipes etc. on discontinue of supply.

         3. 26. Premises to be left secure, and damage to be made good.

         4. 27. Penalty for obstruction.

         5. 28. Applications of Rights of Entry (Gas and Electricity Broads) Act 1954.

      9. General

         1. 29. Gas fittings not to be subject to distress.

         2. 30. Provisions as to security.

         3. 31. Arbitration.

         4. 32. Copies of enactments to be available for inspection.

         5. 33. Nuisance.

         6. 34. Saving for Coast Protection Act 1949.

         7. 35. Justices and judges not to be disqualified.

         8. 36. Interpretation.

   5. SCHEDULE 5

      Rating of Corporation in England and Wales

      1. PART I Amendment of General Rate Act 1967

         1. 1. Hie section to be substituted for section 33 of the...

         2. 2. The Schedule to be substituted for Schedule 6 to the...

      2. PART II Transitional Provisions

         1. 3. (1) The Corporation shall not by virtue of section 33(3)...

         2. 4. (1) Subject to sub-paragraph (2) below, in relation to any...

         3. 5. (1) Where any premises designated by an order in force...

   6. SCHEDULE 6

      Minor and Consequential Amendments

      1. PART I Specific Amendments of Public General Acts

         1. The Land Drainage Act 1930

            1. 1. In section 61(1)(e) of the Land Drainage Act 1930, for...

         2. The Petroleum (Production) Act 1934

            1. 2. For the proviso to section 4 of the Petroleum (Production)...

         3. The Gas Act 1948

            1. 3. Section 46 of the Gas Act 1948 (central guarantee fund)...

         4. The Iron and Steel Act 1949

            1. 4. In section 47 of the Iron and Steel Act 1949...

         5. Rights of Entry (Gas and Electricity Boards) Act 1954

            1. 5. (1) In section 1(2) of the Rights of Entry (Gas...

         6. The Valuation and Rating (Scotland) Act 1956

            1. 6. (1) In section 24 of the Valuation and Rating (Scotland)...

         7. House of Commons Disqualification Act 1957

            1. 7. In Part II of Schedule 1 to the House of...

         8. The Housing Act 1957

            1. 8. In section 130 of the Housing Act 1957, the words...

         9. The Rivers (Prevention of Pollution) Act 1961

            1. 9. In section 2(2)(e) and section 4(1)(c) of the Rivers (Prevention...

         10. The Local Government (Financial Provisions etc.) (Scotland) Act 1962

             1. 10. In section 3 of the Local Government (Financial Provisions etc.)...

         11. The Local Government (Financial Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1963

             1. 11. In section 12 of the Local Government (Financial Provisions) (Scotland)...

         12. The Continental Shelf Act 1964

             1. 12. (1) In section 9(3) of the Continental Shelf Act 1964,...

         13. The Rivers (Prevention of Pollution) (Scotland) Act 1965

             1. 13. In section 2(2) of the Rivers (Prevention of Pollution) (Scotland)...

         14. The Gas Act 1965

             1. 14. (1) In Part II of the Gas Act 1965, for...

         15. The Selective Employment Payments Act 1966

             1. 15. (1) In Part I of Schedule 1 to the Selective...

         16. The Local Government (Scotland) Act 1966

             1. 16. (1) In section 18 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act...

         17. The General Rate Act 1967

             1. 17. In paragraph 5(1)(b) of Schedule 3 to the General Rate...

         18. The Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970

             1. 18. In section 14(1) of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons...

      2. PART II General Adaptations etc.

         1. 19. All local enactments, and (under whatever Act made) all regulations,...

         2. 20. Any public general Act passed before 1st May 1949 (the...

         3. 21. For the purpose of securing, so far as is reasonably...

   7. SCHEDULE 7

      Savings and Transitional Provisions

      1. PART I Matters arising from the Industry's New Structure

         1. Pensions for members of Gas Council and Area Boards

            1. 1. In section 1(3) of this Act, the reference to any...

         2. Corporation's first report, and terminal reports etc. on Gas Counciland Area Boards

            1. 2. (1) In relation to the Corporation's report under section 8(1)...

         3. Gas Consultative Councils : transfer of pending matters, and terminal reports by Regional Councils

            1. 3. (1) Where immediately before the appointed day a Gas Consultative...

            2. 4. (1) Each of the Regional Councils existing as from the...

         4. Compulsory purchase

            1. 5. Anything done before the appointed day for the purposes of...

      2. PART II Financial Matters

         1. Government advances to Gas Council before appointed day

            1. 6. Section 20(5) of this Act shall have effect as if...

         2. British Gas Stock regulations

            1. 7. Any regulations under section 43(2) of the Gas Act 1948...

         3. Compensation to local authorities

            1. 8. Payments made by the Corporation in satisfaction of the liabilities...

         4. Accounts

            1. 9. (1) The statement to be prepared by the Corporation under...

      3. PART III Gas Supply Matters

         1. Agreements not affected by duty of Corporation to avoid undue preference in supply

            1. 10. The reference in section 24(2) of this Act to any...

         2. Calorific value

            1. 11. (1) Any declaration having effect immediately before the appointed day...

         3. Charges

            1. 12. (1) Any tariff in force immediately before the appointed day...

         4. Standards

            1. 13. (1) In relation to any regulations made before die appointed...

         5. Supply by other persons

            1. 14. Section 29(1) of this Act shall not apply—

         6. Meters

            1. 15. (1) Any appointment having effect immediately before the appointed day...

         7. Safety regulations

            1. 16. Any regulations in force immediately before the appointed day under...

         8. Re-sale charges

            1. 17. The maximum prices for the re-sale of gas supplied by...

         9. Interest on deposits with Corporation by way of security

            1. 18. Any order in force immediately before the appointed day under...

      4. PART IV Miscellaneous Matters

         1. Conditions of employment, etc.

            1. 19. Any agreement with any organisation concluded by the Gas Council...

         2. Pension rights

            1. 20. The repeal by this Act of section 58 of the...

         3. Compensation to officers of nationalised undertakings, etc.

            1. 21. Any regulations in force immediately before the appointed day under...

         4. Payments in respect of selective employment tax

            1. 22. The payments which may be made to the Corporation under...

         5. British Gas Stock issued under Gas Act 1948 by way of compensation

            1. 23. Notwithstanding the repeal by this Act of the Gas Act...

   8. SCHEDULE 8

      Repeals