HC Deb 17 June 1969 vol 785 cc237-8
14. Mr. Gwilym Roberts

asked the Minister of Power what is the result of his consultations on the use of household and industrial refuse as a source of energy for domestic and industrial district heating; and what steps he is now taking to co-ordinate the collection of refuse to use for heating purposes.

Mr. Freeson

Government Departments are co-operating in the examination of district heating policy on a continuous basis, including the incorporation of incineration plants in such schemes. If my hon. Friend wishes to have information about particular schemes I will do my best to help him.

Mr. Roberts

Would not my hon. Friend agree that the progress of local authorities towards district heating has been very slow, and towards district heating based on refuse almost nil? Does he accept that tens of millions of pounds could be saved in this way and that we are falling behind some European countries in these developments?

Mr. Freeson

I think there is little doubt that in many respects we are behind certain Western European countries in this connection. As to past experience, it is true that relatively little has been done in this country, but recently there has been a considerable growth of interest in this field, both in public and private undertakings, and the Department wishes to encourage it.

Mr. Lubbock

Is not one of the difficulties that local authorities have not adequate powers to implement district heating schemes and they have to intro- duce private Bills if they are to make progress? Will the hon. Gentleman and the Department seriously consider introducing a national programme to encourage local authorities to make progress in this matter next Session?

Mr. Freeson

I appreciate the points made by the hon. Member. I take it that he was referring to the provision of services under public highways and the like. He should put that question before the Ministry of Housing and Local Government.