§ 42. Mr. Alportasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he will make a statement on the Government's long term policy on fuel utilisation in order to ensure the most economical use of existing and prospective fuel resources in Great Britain and to prevent the hardships and dislocation of annual shortages.
§ Mr. P. Noel-BakerHis Majesty's Government attach the highest importance to promoting the efficient use of fuel in industry, commerce, transport and the home. I hope that the scientific research now going on will lead to big results within a period of years. In the meantime, a satisfactory increase of efficiency is being obtained in industry by means of my Department's mobile testing units, its service of fuel engineers, and the provision of stoker demonstrators. The Coal Utilisation Joint Council and the Women's Advisory Council on Solid Fuel have done much to make the public understand the advantages of the improved domestic stoves and grates that are now available. But there is still much that urgently requires to be done, and I can assure the hon. Member that it receives my constant attention.
§ Mr. AlportIf there is much that requires to be done, could the right hon. Gentleman give us an idea of what he considers it is that requires to be done now?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerI believe that industrial firms could make very great savings if they all applied the best known methods of using fuel. Last year we had four mobile units in operation; in a week or two we shall have 16 units visiting firms and bringing them, I hope, up to a higher standard.
Mr. Charles Ian Orr-EwingWould the right hon. Gentleman approach the three Service Ministers on the question of introducing more modern stoves in Service camps? Is he aware that those at present being used are of archaic design, and have been extremely uneconomical for years and years?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerI am much obliged. My hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary is taking that matter up with the Service Departments.