HC Deb 05 April 1954 vol 526 cc5-7
13. Mr. Philips Price

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether the appointments have been made for the

Brigadier Smyth

As the reply to the first part of the Question contains a number of figures I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT. The estimated additional annual cost of raising, to the rates paid to ex-warrant officers, Class 1 and 2, the disability pensions paid to all lower ranks is £9,400,000 and £7,400,000 respectively.

As regards the last part of the Question, I can assure the hon. Member that my right hon. Friend has under constant review the provisions for all classes of war pensioners.

Following is the information asked for in the first part of the Question:

board of directors and staff of the National Industrial Fuel Efficiency Service; and when it is expected that operations will start.

The Minister of Fuel and Power (Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd)

Yes, Sir. The directors, general manager and secretary have been appointed; staff recruitment is proceeding and the service expects to start operating on 1st May.

31. Mr. Palmer

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power to what extent he proposes to make available to the new fuel advisory company details of private industrial processes, entrusted to his Department by manufacturers and others, when his Departmental fuel efficiency service is brought to an end and the new company takes over.

Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd

None, Sir.

14. Mr. Philips Price

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he has any estimate of the amount of fuel saved in industry over a convenient accounting period as a result of the installation of better plant and employing better heating methods; and whether the improvement in the heating of houses which has been undertaken in recent years has gone to reduction in consumption of fuel or to greater amenities.

Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd

No estimate is available, but substantial savings have been made. Comparison between the increase in industrial fuel consumption and that of general economic activity shows a saving of about 3 million tons of coal a year. Improved domestic heating is thought, at present, to result more in increased comfort than in reduced fuel consumption.

Mr. Price

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the saving has been greater in industrial or domestic consumption?

Mr. Lloyd

I would have said in industrial consumption.

Mr. Noel-Baker

When the right hon. Gentleman says that 3 million tons have been saved in industry last year, with what is that compared—the previous year?

Mr. Lloyd

The saving is at the rate of about 3 million tons a year.

17. Mr. Renton

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is aware that a waste of public money, effort and educated manpower results from the overlapping of functions of the fuel departments of Ministries, of various local authorities and of the new fuel efficiency service; and what steps he intends to take to secure economies by preventing such overlapping.

Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd

As at present advised I could not accept my hon. Friend's view of these matters, but I would be glad to consider any information he may care to send me. I can assure him that steps have already been taken to prevent overlapping when certain of my Department's responsibilities are transferred to the new service.

Mr. Renton

I will send some information to my right hon Friend.