§ Mr. Freesonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he is taking to improve the advice available from his Department to local authorities in the field of district heating; and whether he will publish such advice.
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§ Mr. ChannonMy right hon. Friend hopes to issue a circular shortly advising local authorities of questions and points to bear in mind when they consider proposals for district heating schemes.
§ Mr. Freesonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what technical and financial research he has commissioned into the operation of district heating by local authorities; and if he will list the projects being studied.
§ Mr. ChannonThe Heating and Ventilation Research Association have been commissioned to carry out research which should give better technical and financial information on district heating schemes in operation. The first part of this work is an analytical study of data from some 40 schemes. The contract for the second part of the study, which will be a detailed investigation into three or four schemes, has recently been placed. The co-operation of the selected authorities will be sought shortly.
§ Mr. Freesonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what detailed investigations his Department is now undertaking to get district heating in major developments; and if he will list the schemes which his Department is planning to sponsor;
(2) what steps he is taking to ensure proper consideration of district heating schemes where they are likely to have economic, social and technical advantages.
§ Mr. ChannonDiscussions have been held and are continuing with a number of authorities about their major schemes. Better advice based on recent work and experience will shortly be available to enable local authorities to give full and balanced consideration to any proposals for district heating. But, subject to any statutory approvals that may be required, the decision whether to invest their money in district heating rests with the local authority.
§ Mr. Freesonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) whether he intends to maintain the District Heating Panel originally constituted two years ago by the then Ministries of Housing and Local Government, Public Building and Works, and Power;
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§ Mr. ChannonIt is certainly intended to continue co-operation between the Departments concerned with district heating. The form that co-operation will take is under review.
§ Mr. Freesonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will ensure that the case for district heating or total energy schemes is considered as a matter of course in all new and expanded towns and major redevelopment schemes.
§ Mr. ChannonRecent evidence suggests that new and expanded towns already consider the case for district heating and that for total energy when the opportunity occurs. They should continue that practice. Local authorities will also be encouraged to do so for their major redevelopment schemes.