THE EARL OF AIRLIEasked His Majesty's Government whether they intend to encourage the use of economical forms of cookers throughout the country, and, if so, will they instruct the Minister of Fuel and Power to see that an equitable supply of fuel, requisite to these cookers, is made available in all parts of the country including Scotland, and not only in England, as is now the case.
§ THE PAYMASTER-GENERAL (LORD MACDONALD OF GWAENYSGOR)In accordance with the recommendations made in the Report of the Fuel and Power Advisory Council on Domestic Fuel Policy (Cmd. 6762) minimum standards have been established for improved solid fuel burning appliances suitable for the average family dwelling. Appliances that522WA reach the required standard are included in a list from which local authorities are required by the Health Departments to select appliances for their new houses. Included in the "improved list" are 25 different makes of free-standing continuous burning cookers and 32 makes of continuous-burning combination grates all of which provide facilities for cooking. All appliances on the list will burn a range of fuels including at least two of the three fuels, anthracite, bituminous coal and coke.
Some other makes of free-standing cookers, although not listed by the Ministry of Fuel and Power, are known to be up to the standards laid down but these are excluded from 'the list on the score of cost. All these appliances will operate on more than one fuel and with only one exception they will all burn coke. In general, having regard to their interchangeability, adequate supplies of one suitable fuel or another are available in 'Scotland as well as in other parts of the country.
House adjourned at ten minutes past eight o'clock.