GLENNISTER v. CONDON AND EASTERN GAS BOARD.

[1951] 2 Lloyd's Rep. 115

KING'S BENCH DIVISION.

Before Lord Goddard (Lord Chief Justice).

Negligence-Gas undertaking-Leakage of gas-Faulty supply pipes-Duties of occupier of premises and of Gas Board -Plaintiff injured in explosion upon first defendant's premises due to gas leakage-Premises fitted out by first defendant as refreshment bar-Installation of additional service pipe to gas equipment-Old domestic supply pipe in existence for very long time-Geyser connected to domestic supply pipe- Failure of geyser to work-Investigation by Gas Board (second defendants) -Recommendation by P. (Gas Board official) to occupier that new and larger supply pipe should be installed-No request by first defendant that such work should be carried out-Private contractor (E., a brass turner) subsequently employed by occupier to alter layout of pipes running from domestic supply pipe-Completion of work by 2 30 p.m. on day of explosion-Persistent smell of gas throughout following eight hours-Gas Board not informed- Explosion at about 10 20 p.m.-Claim by plaintiff against occupier and against Gas Board-Whether statutory duty of Gas Board to keep service pipes in proper and safe condition and to inspect old supply pipes-Whether P. should reasonably have concluded from his investigation that the domestic supply pipe was in such an unsatisfactory condition, and a consequent source of danger, that he should have warned occupier.