HC Deb 08 May 1951 vol 487 cc1734-5
8. Mr. Nabarro

asked the Minister of Local Government and Planning to what extent, when allocating global sums to local authorities during 1951–52 in respect of building licences for private work, he took into consideration the importance of permitting the granting of licences by such local authorities to all applicants seeking to instal fuel saving equipment and plant, with special reference to coal and coke economy.

Mr. Dalton

Equipment to save fuel in small houses generally costs less than £100, and so requires no building licence.

Mr. Nabarro

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that in the cases where larger houses are involved—and there are thousands of them in the country generally—the paucity of licences for local authorities means that large fuel saving plant is now being squeezed out, with the result that fuel is being wasted? Will he view this matter a little more liberally?

Mr. Dalton

I have a note of a case, which is perhaps in the hon. Member's mind, in the Kidderminster Borough Council area asking them to allow £900 to instal in a large house an oil burning central heating plant. As things are now they did not think—and I agree with them in thinking—they ought to allow that application.

Mr. Nabarro

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that that particular case has not been previously brought to my notice, and that my Question is guided by very large numbers of people who wish to save fuel in the national interest?

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