HC Deb 24 February 1958 vol 583 cc26-7
38. Mr. Hastings

asked the Minister of Health whether, with the object of reducing fuel costs, he will encourage the provision of double glazing in all windows or parts of windows that do not open in all newly-constructed hospitals or extensions of existing hospitals.

Mr. Walker-Smith

I am always ready to consider proposals of this kind in suitable cases.

Mr. Hastings

Does the Minister know that Great Britain is the only country in the world which, apparently, does not realise the great loss of heat resulting from single-glazed windows? While double glazing may be somewhat complicated, it is a very easy matter to put double glass in those parts of windows which remain closed? Can the Minister not recommend regional hospital boards to use double glazing when building and extending hospitals?

Mr. Walker-Smith

As the hon. Member will know, this matter is largely governed by the design of the building. Where it can be shown that the savings in fuel costs are commensurate with the capital cost, I certainly encourage the use of double glazing.