§ 21. Mr. Geoffrey Cooperasked the Minister of Health if, in view of the need 574 to save domestic fuel he has issued instructions to local authorities to incorporate fuel-saving types of domestic fire-grates and appliances in all permanent houses now being built or which will be built in future in all parts of the country.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health (Mr. John Edwards)I would refer my hon. Friend to the chapter on "The Heat Installation" in the Housing Manual, 1944, and to Circular 112/46, Appendix A, issued to local authorities, of which I am sending him a copy.
§ Mr. CooperIs my hon. Friend aware that a considerable amount of research has been undertaken, by such bodies as the Coal Utilisation Council, into the design of suitable grates which ensure a considerable saving of coal, and could not some steps be taken to make quantities of those grates available for our housing schemes at the present time?
§ Mr. EdwardsIf my hon. Friend reads the circular, I think he will find that most of these suggestions have been adopted, but if, after reading it, he has anything further to say, I shall be happy to consider it.
§ 23. Mr. Somerville Hastingsasked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the present shortage of fuel, which is likely to continue for some years, he will issue suggestions or instructions to local authorities as to means of conserving heat in houses they are building or proposing to build.
§ Mr. J. EdwardsI would refer my hon. Friend to a circular issued to local authorities on 3rd September last, of which I am sending him a copy.
§ Mr. HastingsHas my hon. Friend taken note of all the special arrangements, such as double windows and so on, which are used in Scandinavia, Switzerland, and other cold countries?
§ Mr. EdwardsThose points have been considered by my Department.
§ Lieut.-Commander BraithwaiteDo the Government accept the hypothesis contained in this Question?