§ 5. Mr. Atkinsonasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will issue a general direction to electricity boards to cease to install overhead ceiling heating systems.
§ Mr. EadieDevelopers and consumers should be free to choose this system if it is properly installed in suitably insulated buildings.
§ Mr. AtkinsonI am sure that that answer must be born out of ignorance of the criticism that has spread throughout the country, in Scotland and elsewhere, particularly among council tenants and tenants of private housing associations. All of them agree that these schemes are totally unsatisfactory for the kind of structures now being erected by local authorities. Will my hon. Friend reconsider his answer and extend some sympathy to those who have criticised these systems? Will he offer local authorities assistance in providing alternatives likely to produce heating systems better than those which have been installed?
§ Mr. EadieWhile I have a great deal of sympathy with many of my hon. Friend's comments about the costs of energy, I should point out that any guidance to developers and builders is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment, who is responsible for the building regulations.
§ Mr. GrimondIs the hon. Gentleman saying that this method of space heating by electricity is comparable in efficiency with other methods? Is it not the case that, even with changes in prices, this is a most unsatisfactory method of heating?
§ Mr. EadieI am not saying that it is more efficient than any other system. All I said was that the consumer should have a choice. The electricity supply industry has a statutory obligation to operate economically and efficiently. It is aware of the need for conservation of resources. I agree with the right hon. Gentleman that there is a need for information to be given to consumers about what is the best buy. We try to help all we can.