HC Deb 04 April 1946 vol 421 cc1381-2
32. Mr. Erroll

asked the Minister of Education whether, in view of the expected continued coal shortage, she will advise local authorities to take steps for a greater number of schools to be heated by oil fuel in future.

Miss Wilkinson

I understand from my right hon. Friend the Minister of Fuel and Power that he is looking into the question of making available additional supplies of fuel oil. Until he has completed his investigations I do not consider that I should be justified in adopting the hon. Member's suggestion.

Mr. Erroll

Would it not be desirable for the right hon. Lady to institute an investigation into the schools, so that when the Minister of Fuel and Power has made up his mind the schools can get on with the job straight away?

Miss Wilkinson

We have the information. It entirely depends on whether fuel oil supplies are likely to be available.

Mr. Skeffington-Lodge

Will the right hon. Lady bear in mind that, as the Government's policy for coal is already leading to increased supplies, it would be most undesirable to make the heating of our schools dependent on a fuel imported from overseas?