§ Major Markhamasked the Minister of Works what steps are being taken to produce smoke-reducing grates at reasonable prices; and why none of the most modern types of grates have been included in recent housing exhibitions.
§ Mr. HicksGrates suitable for burning smokeless fuels are already available. A grate for burning bituminous coal with the minimum emission of smoke of a type and at a cost suitable for housing is being actively developed along lines that my Ministry have encouraged. The use of grates of these types is advocated in the "Housing Manual 1944," and they were exhibited at the recent Housing Equipment Exhibition at Birmingham. It is hoped that local authorities will instal them on a large scale. As explained in my reply on 1st November to the hon. Member for Yardley (Mr. Salt) the demonstration houses at Northolt were erected to show alternative methods of construction and not to exhibit appliances. The plans for the factory-made house include an openable stove from which smoke emission should be small.