§ 4. Mr. Grimondasked the Minister of Works the annual consumption of coal, coke and similar solid fuels for heating in Government offices; and what steps are being taken to reduce it by changing over to oil.
§ Mr. Buchan-HepburnThe annual consumption of solid fuel in those Government buildings—including offices—where my Department is responsible for providing heating is approximately 410,000 tons. Oil burning equipment is being installed in most new buildings and in replacement of worn-out solid fuel burning equipment in existing buildings. Twenty-three conversions from solid fuel to oil have been carried out in the past year and five more are now in hand. I am considering whether it is practicable to extend this programme.
§ Mr. GrimondMay I take it that it is the policy of the Ministry eventually to change over entirely to oil-burning equipment?
§ Mr. Buchan-HepburnYes, I think that will be the case—certainly in the major buildings.