§ Mr. Bossomasked the Minister of Fuel and Power how many local authorities in the country have made, or are making, arrangements to set up district heating; and what steps he is taking to encourage more local authorities to adopt district heating at the earliest possible opportunity in order to save fuel.
§ Mr. Shinwell:I have set up, in conjunction with my right hon. Friends the Ministers of Health and Works, a committee on domestic heating problems, with a sub-committee of technical representatives of the interested Ministries, to consider district heating generally and, in particular, specific schemes proposed by local authorities. One local authority 358W scheme has been submitted so far, and given provisional approval. A number of other local authorities are known to be considering district heating. I am anxious to give every help possible and I shall be glad to know of any schemes, which are under consideration, and which may not have come to my notice, and to arrange for my technical officers to advise on them.