Cause & Effect — Safety compliance and consequences. I. The LPG cylinders supplied to the restaurant kitchen were past their expiry date. II. The restaurant kitchen caught fire.

Introduction / Context:The pair links a clear safety lapse (expired LPG cylinders) with an adverse event (kitchen fire). We must check whether the lapse can serve as an immediate cause.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• I: Expired LPG cylinders were supplied.
• II: Fire occurred in the restaurant kitchen.
• Expired cylinders may have degraded valves or seals, increasing leak risk.

Concept / Approach:LPG leakage readily explains ignition in a kitchen environment with open flames or electrical sparks. Thus I is a plausible immediate cause of II.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:Substitute scenario: properly maintained cylinders lower fire risk, supporting I as a critical causal factor here.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:B reverses causality; C/D deny the immediate link indicated by common safety mechanics.

Common Pitfalls:Ignoring proximate hazards in kitchens (flame, heat, electricals) that can ignite leaked gas.

Final Answer:If I is the immediate cause and II is its effect.