About the Group
The APPGSG is a forum for discussion on gas safety issues. This takes account those areas which affect both the gas installation industry and consumers, including the security of installation and supply of appliances; skills shortages; fuel poverty; irresponsible landlords; and the effects of social exclusion.
The APPGSG's work is a response to the human tragedy of CO poisoning. Too many people continue to be harmed or even killed as a result of this entirely preventable problem. We work to build awareness of these tragedies, and seek public policy, stakeholder and consumer action to drive down the number of tragic incidents in future.
This is not a party political issue, and the group therefore has strong representation from across the party divide. Together we raise awareness of this important issue in Westminster, Whitehall and beyond.
Picture (right) - Gas Safety Minister, Lord Hunt, addressing Labour Fringe Event, October 2005.
Members of the group have also provided a wider advocacy role on gas safety, championing many gas safety concerns in Parliament and beyond. This has included a number of successful events at party conferences - most recently the well attended fringe debate When ignorance isn't bliss - empowering gas consumers to protect themselves which attracted two Ministerial speakers, and contributions from RoSPA and CORGI.
GROUP OFFICERS
Barry Sheerman MP - Co-Chair
Barry Sheerman has been Labour MP for Huddersfield since 1983, and was Member for Huddersfield East from 1979. He co-chairs the All Party Group on Gas Safety and led the recent inquiry into carbon monoxide poisoning. He also chairs the Commons Education and Skills Select Committee, a position he as held since 2001. His other main political interests are industry, the environment and road safety.
Maria Miller MP - Co-Chair
Maria Miller was elected Conservative MP for Basingstoke in May 2005. She became co-Chair of the Gas Safety Group earlier this year. Since becoming an MP last year, she has also been appointed to the front bench as Shadow Minister for Education, and is a member of the Commons Trade and Industry Select Committee. Her political interests include education, housing and the media. Before entering Parliament, Maria had a career in advertising and marketing.
Bob Spink - Vice-Chair
Bob Spink has been Conservative MP for Castle Point from 2001 and was between 1992 and 1997. He served in government as a Parliamentary Private Secretary. An engineer by training he also serves on the Commons Science and Technology Select Committee. As well as his work with the gas safety group, Bob has led campaigns against drugs, underage drinking and street crime.
David Lepper MP - Secretary
David Lepper has been Labour MP for Brighton Pavilion since 1997, and was previously Leader of Brighton and Hove District Council. He serves on the Environmental, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee, and the Commons' Administration Committee. His political interests include small Businesses, animal welfare and housing.
Further information:
All-Party groups provide a valuable non-partisan forum in which Parliamentarians can meet to discuss an important subject. As well as facilitating discussion among Parliamentarians they also allow outside groups and individuals with an interest or expertise to provide information. All-Party groups are not funded by the taxpayer.
The purpose of the All-Party Parliamentary Gas Safety Group (APGSG) is to provide an opportunity for discussion on issues affecting the gas installation industry and consumers, including security of installation and supply, skills shortages, fuel poverty, irresponsible landlords, and the effects of social exclusion.
The APPGSG is listed on the House of Commons Register of All-Party Groups. Administrative support to the group is provided by CORGI (Council of Registered Gas Installers) through Mandate Communications.