HC Deb 08 March 1965 vol 708 cc26-7
53. Mr. Ogden

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works if, in view of the burden placed on the balance of payments by the importation of oil for heating public buildings under his control, he will ensure that any future installations for his Department will be heated by solid fuel.

Mr. C. Pannell

The current annual fuel bill for public buildings in the United Kingdom for which I am responsible, is about £4,185,000, of which £1,770,000 is for fuel oil. Much of this latter figure represents sterling payments, for example, expenditure in the United Kingdom on refining and distribution. A statement on the use of fuel in public buildings will shortly be made on behalf of the Government.