§ 14. Mr. Matthewsasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs if he will take steps to ensure that grants paid to householders living in smokeless zones are extended to cover stoves and open fires behind glass, as is already the case in the North-East.
§ Mr. CorfieldI would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave on 6th December to a Question by the hon. 562 Member for Sheffield, Hillsborough (Mr. Darling).
§ Mr. MatthewsIs my hon. Friend aware that there is an abundant supply of coke in the country, and that this is quite satisfactory fuel in stoves and other enclosed appliances, but is unsuitable for open fireplaces? Does not he agree that the concession that I have suggested would help to meet the demand for open fire smokeless fuels in clean air zones?
§ Mr. CorfieldI cannot agree that all types of coke are unsuitable for open fires. Suitable quality gas coke will burn very well in approved types of open fireplace. Outside the North-East adequate supplies of open fire solid fuel, including gas coke, are available.