Modern Fuel-Burning Equipment

HC Deb 07 June 1945 vol 411 cc1059-60

42. Mr. Keeling

asked the Minister of Health whether he proposes, by the licensing of production or by other means, to ensure the installation in privately as well as municipally built houses of modern fuel-burning equipment designed for high efficiency, smoke reduction and the use of smokeless fuels, as recommended in the Housing Manual, 1944.

Mr. Willink

The licensing of production is not a matter for my Department. So far as I am concerned with privately built houses, I cannot, at present, go beyond the recommendations in the Housing Manual.

Mr. Keeling

As my right hon. and learned Friend is not responsible for production, but is responsible for health, will he ask the Minister of Works, who is responsible for production, to endeavour to promote health by ensuring the installation of smoke abating grates?

Mr. Willink

The position with regard to these modern fuel-burning appliances is that they are being developed, and that prototypes are on exhibition at the Building Centre in Conduit Street. Standard specifications are being prepared, and arrangements will be made by the Ministry of Fuel and Power for production. The price is not yet known, but it is hoped that it will be economic, and that any extra expenditure will be compensated for by the lower running costs.

43. Mr. Keeling

asked the Minister of Health whether approval of housing schemes submited by local authorities will be withheld unless provision is made for the installation of modern fuel-burning equipment, designed for, high efficiency, smoke reduction and the use of smokeless fuels, as recommended in the Housing Manual, 1944.

Mr. Willink

No, Sir, not at present. Local authorities are, however, expected to adopt British standard specifications where they exist, and their attention is being drawn to the new appliances which are being developed and are becoming available.

Mr. Keeling

Does that answer mean that my right hon. and learned Friend is powerless to bring pressure to bear upon local authorities to abate smoke, and that he is merely hoping?

Mr. Willink

I am not only powerless, but I am most reluctant to delay the production of houses by insisting on appliances that do not yet exist.

Mr. Sorensen

Have all the pre-war arrangements for limiting smoke now been re-established?

Mr. Willink

That hardly applies on this Question.

Mr. Gallacher

Will the Minister take note of the insistence of his supporters on State control and interference?