§ 6. Mr. Gowerasked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will discuss with local authorities, with the building and construction industries, and with the gas and electricity boards in Wales how best to ensure that new houses and flats in Wales shall not be heated by ducted air or similar central heating systems which tend to aggravate such illnesses as sinusitis, asthma and bronchitis.
§ Mr. Gibson-WattI have received no representations that the use of ducted air or similar heating installations should be discouraged for health reasons, but I am always ready to explore with responsible bodies any matters which may cause them concern.
§ Mr. GowerIs my hon. Friend aware that the trouble is that in many instances there are blocks of flats—whether municipal or privately owned—in which there is no alternative to ducted air? Is he aware that any medical adviser will confirm that certain respiratory diseases make living in these conditions highly unpleasant? Will he look at this again?
§ Mr. Gibson-WattThis matter is certainly of interest to me, but it is proper to leave the choice of the form of central heating used in local authority housing to the authority concerned because it is in the best position to judge, taking account of local needs and circumstances.