Explanatory note

These Regulations amend the provisions relating to the re-examination of disputed meters contained in regulation 4 of the Gas (Meters) Regulations 1983 (“the Principal Regulations”).

Paragraph 13(3) of Schedule 16 to the Deregulation and Contracting Out Act 1994 (“the 1994 Act”) repealed section 17(8)(d) of the Gas Act 1986, and as a consequence regulation 5 of the Principal Regulations (which was a regulation made under powers contained in section 17(8)(d)) has ceased to have effect.

Paragraph 13(4) of Schedule 16 to the 1994 Act introduces a new section 17(8A) into the Gas Act 1986 which provides for the fees to be paid to examiners who are in the civil service of the Crown for re-examining gas meters to be determined by the Secretary of State with the approval of the Treasury.

Regulation 3 of these Regulations makes a consequential amendment to regulation 4 of the Principal Regulations by replacing the reference to fees calculated in accordance with regulation 5 with a reference to the requisite fee. It also declares that the duty to re-examine a meter only applies to meter examiners in the civil service of the Crown in accordance with section 17(2) of the Gas Act 1986.