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MP backs new move in 'silent killer' fight
Fraser Kemp is backing a move to prevent carbon monoxide causing further deaths in the region.
A long-standing campaigner on the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning, the Wearside MP has given his support to a Parliamentary motion that aims to tighten up control over the "silent killer."
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Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless gas which kills by stopping the body absorbing oxygen.
The motion urges the Government to bring forward proposals from the Health and Safety Commission (HSC) in 2000 and make them compulsory.
It said there should be adequate ventilation, regular chimney sweeping, carbon monoxide alarms should be installed in homes and the gas emergency service should have and use equipment to test appliances for the deadly gas.
The HSC also urged the Government to make funds available for a body to assist the victims, their families and to fund further research.
Student Anne Brennan, 19, was found dead in her student house in November 1995, just hours after her father had driven her there after a weekend at home in Houghton.
Anne, who was in the second year of an English degree course at Durham University, was found in her rented house in Flass Street, Durham.
An inquest ruled that she was unlawfully killed and her landlord, Graham Williams, was fined 10,000 for failing to ensure the boiler was properly maintained.
Other victims include Glen Halliday, found dead at his Sunderland flat in 1993, and Joe Doleman, who died at his home in Hendon in 1997.
Mr Kemp, MP for Houghton and Washington East, said "I have campaigned since my election to Parliament 10 years ago for action against the 'silent killer' following the death of student Anne Brennan.
"This motion highlights the fact that 16 people have already been reported as having died of accidental carbon monoxide poisoning in the UK since September 2006.
"We witness needless deaths and injuries ever year and yet these deaths and incidents can be prevented.
"Only 50 per cent of appliances are fitted by registered installers and tough Government action is needed against the estimated 3,000 illegal non-registered gas installers.
"I also support the calls for funds to be made available for a body to assist the victims and their families."
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Thursday 09 February 2012
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