§ Mr. N. Bowerasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether any systematic visitation of the houses of domestic fuel consumers is to be carried out by officials of his Department for the purpose of giving advice and checking consumption and, if so, on what lines?
Major Lloyd GeorgeI assume that my hon. Friend refers to the enforcement of the Waste of Fuel Order, 1942. I intend shortly to make a further Order under which specific directions may be issued for the prevention of particular forms of waste in domestic premises and elsewhere. It is not my intention at present to arrange for systematic visitation of private households, because I feel sure that the great majority of householders are thoroughly patriotic and are anxious to co-operate to the best of their ability in saving fuel. One of the principal objects of our publicity campaign therefore is to help householders with advice and information. I need hardly say, however, that cases of flagrant waste, or deliberate contravention of directions, by domestic consumers will not be tolerated.