§ 7. Sir R. THOMASasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, if he will state the approximate quantity of fuel consumed annually in the office grates of Government Departments in London; have any steps yet been taken to substitute coalite or other smokeless fuel for raw coal; and, if not, whether he will take action so that these public institutions may give a lead to private citizens in this matter?
The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Lieut.-Colonel Sir Vivian Henderson)The quantity of fuel consumed in the office grates of Government Departments in London is approximately 15,000 tons per annum. Coalite and other smokeless fuel have been used since the early days of manufacture, and tests are continually being made of new fuels which come into the market.