50. Mr. David Adamsasked the First Commissioner of Works how many open grates in Government buildings under his control in Greater London burn smoke-producing coal; what total quantity of such coal is annually burned therein; and how soon he proposes to replace these grates by smokeless methods of heating?
§ The First Commissioner of Works (Sir Philip Sassoon)There are about 12,000 open grates in the Government buildings in Greater London, which consume about 15,000 tons of house coal annually: this represents 14 per cent. of the total fuel consumed in the Government buildings in Greater London, the remainder consisting of smokeless fuels. As regards the last part of the question, I regret that I have nothing to add to my reply to the hon. Member's question of 28th June last.
§ Mr. George GriffithsWill the Minister take into account the fact that a large number of miners are now working short time, only about three days a week, and get the Government to burn as much coal as possible?