Major Thorneycroftasked the Minister of Fuel and Power what are the estimated increases in consumption of electricity, gas and coal due to the relaxation of the blackout; and whether any steps have been taken to effect countervailing economies by removing the permanent black-out in Government-owned factories and else-where.
Major Lloyd GeorgeWhile there will no doubt be some increase in the consumption of fuel as a result of the recent relaxation of lighting restrictions, it is not possible to form any reliable estimate of its extent. Moreover, it does not necessarily follow that, because in some areas "dim-out" conditions have now replaced black-out, there will in every case be an increase in the consumption of gas or electricity. As regards the second part of the Question, the substitution of removable for permanent black-out in factories has for a long time been given active attention by the Departments concerned, and substantial progress in this direction has been achieved. This will, of course, have given rise to substantial economies, but I regret I cannot give any reliable figures.