§ Mr. Lubbockasked the Minister of Public Building and Works what information he has about the relative capital, operating and total costs of district heating schemes and the comparative figures for conventional methods.
§ Mr. PrenticeThe capital costs of district heating schemes are generally higher than those of conventional schemes but operating costs tend to be lower, although the exact relationship is bound to vary with the circumstances.
§ Mr. LubbockIs the Minister aware that, according to figures which I have been given of total costs, capital and operating, of district heating schemes, they amount to only about 60 per cent. of comparable conventional schemes? Will he tell the House whether there is not a possibility that under the new cost yardsticks to be introduced by the Housing Subsidies Act, local authorities will be prohibited from taking contracts for district heating schemes?
§ Mr. PrenticeThe 60 per cent. figure is likely to vary according to the size and density of buildings, the number to the acre and things like that. Regarding charges to local authorities I shall write to the hon. Member or consult my right hon. Friend the Minister of Housing and 1125 Local Government if that is more appropriate.
§ Mr. CostainDoes not the Minister think that if power stations water can be utilised, it is good sense to use this waste heat for district heating schemes?
§ Mr. PrenticeYes, when waste heat is available it is a good idea to use district heating. The Ministry is doing this in Aldershot, at Fylingdales Early Warning Station and at other premises.