§ 1. Mr. Gwilym Robertsasked the Minister of Power if he will consult with the Minister of Housing and Loal Government on the use of refuse disposal incinerators to heat whole towns or large districts within towns; and if he will ensure that nationalised fuel industries co-operate where appropriate to establish more extensive use of whole town or district heating systems.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Power (Mr. Reginald Freeson)Total energy and district heating schemes, incorporating refuse incineration, are certainly developments which we wish to encourage, wherever technically and economically viable. We are considering the possibilities of greater co-operation between fuel industries, developers and local authorities, and are in touch with other Departments on the subject.
§ Mr. RobertsCan my hon. Friend say whether the Nottingham scheme is likely to still be operative in 1970? What active steps are being taken to encourage other local authorities to use district heating schemes based on refuse disposal? Would he agree that any scheme which led to a reduction of the £70 million a year which we spend on refuse disposal would be helpful?
§ Mr. FreesonThe second part of my hon. Friend's Question is for the Minister of Housing and Local Government. Certainly we as a Department wish to encourage this kind of development and are in touch with that Ministry on the issue. I understand that in Nottingham negotiations are now proceeding in which the N.C.B. and, no doubt, other interested persons and bodies are involving themselves with a view to embarking on a district heating scheme incorporating refuse incineration.