HC Deb 16 March 1936 vol 310 cc18-9
42. Mr. DAVID ADAMS

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he is aware that the Department of Industrial and Scientific Research and the leading municipalities of the United Kingdom agree that coal-burning fires are the prime cause of atmospheric pollution causing injury to the public health and public buildings, added risks to aviation and other disabilities; why almost all the offices and departments under his control in London are heated with raw coal; and whether he will introduce and gradually extend the use of smokeless fuel as in the Lobbies of this House?

The FIRST COMMISSIONER of WORKS (Mr. Ormsby-Gore)

Yes, Sir. I am aware of the causes and effects of atmospheric pollution, but I understand that there is a ready market for all the present production of smokeless fuel suitable for open fireplaces; the total sale would not be increased by any order I might give and the question of atmospheric pollution would not be affected. About two-thirds of the accommodation under my control in London is heated by plants consuming smokeless fuel of various kinds: for open fireplaces suitable smokeless fuel is used wherever local circumstances make it possible without unreasonable increase of cost. Apart from the fact that there was some dissatisfaction when smokeless fuel was used in the Lobby fires some time ago, I should not be justified at present prices in using smokeless fuel in the fireplaces of this House.

Mr. ADAMS

The smokeless fuel consumed in the Lobbies of the House is coke. If there is no complaint of its use, could it not be extended to all Departments?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

During a great part of the last Parliament coalite was used, and I received a very large number of representations from Members of the House asking me to go back to coal.

Mr. CROSSLEY

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that a great many civil servants are continually complaining of sore eyes?

Mr. ADAMS

The House is using smokeless fuel, coke. I am suggesting that the principle should be extended to other Government Departments.

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

I have explained that in two-thirds of them smokeless fuel is used.

Mr. ADAMS

Why not in the balance?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

Because I have had so many objections and requests for coal.