31. Mr. Craik Hendersonasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will ensure by Order or otherwise, that it shall be an offence for anyone to waste coal, electricity, or gas?
§ The President of the Board of Trade (Mr. Dalton)I am afraid that it would be impossible to enforce an Order in such general terms as my hon. Friend suggests.
Mr. Craik HendersonWill the Minister introduce a similar Order in more specific terms? As throwing away a piece of paper is an offence, should it not be an offence also when there is a very grave waste of fuel?
§ Mr. DaltonCertain Orders have been made which I have mentioned to the House. There is the Order on advertisement lighting restriction. Perhaps, in the course of the Debate which we may have in the near future, further aspects of this matter will be considered.
§ Earl WintertonDid not the right hon. Gentleman say about a fortnight ago that he was considering the whole question of the unnecessary use of lighting in clubs, hotels, restaurants and railway stations? Is he yet in a position to make a statement on the subject?
§ Mr. DaltonNo, Sir, not yet, but I shall be upon an early occasion, I daresay.
§ Mr. MontagueWill the Minister consider encouraging a wider use of wood fires in this country, especially in some areas?
§ Mr. DaltonThat is part of a rather larger question, and I do not think I will go into it at this moment.