HC Deb 30 November 1936 vol 318 c833
40. Mr. DAVID ADAMS

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether steps are being taken to abolish the smoke nuisance from the Houses of Parliament and Government Departments in Whitehall arising from the use of raw coal supplied through the Office of Works?

Mr. R. S. HUDSON

My Noble Friend does not admit that a smoke nuisance exists in respect especially of the Houses of Parliament and Government offices. It is the practice of the Office of Works to use smokeless fuel whenever local circumstances make it possible without an unreasonable increase of cost.

Mr. ADAMS

Surely it is manifest, to anyone who cares to see it, and it is a very bad example.

Mr. SHINWELL

Is there not bound to be a smoke nuisance when raw coal is burned, and is it not possible for the Office of Works to use smokeless fuel for these buildings?

Mr. HUDSON

I said in my answer that smokeless fuel is used whenever circumstances make it possible without an unreasonable increase of cost. Recently smokeless fuel has gone up very materially in cost.

Mr. THORNE

Would it not be possible to use gas fires, which would do away with all smoke?