Gas Act 1972

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

25 (1) Where—

(a) a person occupying premises supplied with gas by the Corporation ceases to require such a supply, or

(b) a person entering into occupation of any premises previously supplied with gas by the Corporation does not take a supply of gas from the Corporation or hire such of the pipes, meters, fittings or apparatus on the premises as belong to the Corporation, or

(c) the Corporation are authorised to cut off the supply of gas from any premises otherwise than by virtue of any regulations made under section 31 of this Act,

it shall be lawful for an officer authorised by the Corporation, after twenty-four hours' notice to the occupier under the hand of an officer so authorised, or to the owner or lessee of the premises if they are unoccupied, to enter the premises at all reasonable times for the purpose of removing and to remove any pipes, meters, fittings or apparatus through which the supply was given to the premises.

(2) The notice required to be given by sub-paragraph (1) above may, in the case of unoccupied premises the owner or lessee of which is unknown to the Corporation and cannot be ascertained after diligent inquiry, be given by affixing it upon a conspicuous part of the premises not less than forty-eight hours before the premises are entered.

(3) Where the Corporation have reasonable cause to suspect that gas is escaping, or may escape, in any premises, it shall be lawful for an officer authorised by them to enter the premises for the purpose of inspecting the gas fittings and preventing the escape, and to inspect the fittings, carry out any work necessary to prevent the escape, and take any other steps necessary to avert danger to life or property; and where the Corporation have reasonable cause to suspect that gas which has escaped has entered, or may enter, any premises, it shall be lawful for such an officer to enter those premises also and to take any steps necessary to avert danger to life or property.