§ 21. Mrs. Eirene Whiteasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he has considered offering to the public at 643 a low price modern fuel-conserving grates and stoves, so as to economise in the use of solid fuel for domestic purposes.
§ Mr. P. Noel-BakerAs my hon. Friend no doubt recalls, there is no Purchase Tax on appliances which burn solid fuel. I am considering various other measures designed to encourage the public to replace old fashioned grates and stoves by modern and more efficient types.
§ Mrs. WhiteHas my right hon. Friend calculated that we might save 10 million tons of coal a year if open fires could be replaced by modern grates or stoves? Would he consider introducing a Noel-Baker type of stove?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerAbout one million improved appliances have been sold since the issuing of the Simon Report.
§ Mr. NabarroIs not the first step in this development to secure the co-operation of the local authorities to install stoves instead of open hearths?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerYes, Sir, and everything is done to ensure that they put in improved appliances. They are given special prices when they buy these appliances in bulk.