§ Sir R. Gowerasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether medical advice was sought before all Government Departments were instructed to ensure that in the interests of fuel economy the temperature in all offices during the winter months was not to exceed 60 degrees Fahrenheit; whether he is aware of the hardship caused by this order, particularly in offices where thermostatic control enables it to be rigidly enforced; and whether he is satisfied that the loss of efficiency of sedentary clerical workers does not offset the economy in fuel?
§ Mr. HicksI have been asked to reply. No, Sir. The circular to which the hon. Member refers was issued last autumn as part of a national campaign to ensure economy in the use of fuel, which was, and still is, urgently necessary. I am not aware that any particular loss of efficiency has resulted. A temperature of 60 degrees Fahrenheit has been a commonly recognised standard of heating for many years in this country, and, although I am aware that standards tend to rise, I see no reason why the instruction should be varied during the present emergency.