HC Deb 12 December 1946 vol 431 c276W
Mr. Keeling

asked the Minister of Health if the announcement at the Fuel and the Future Conference, that his Department would not cut out improved grates or other solid-fuel burning appliances from a local authority's plans merely on account of cost, has been brought to the notice of all local authorities.

Mr. Blackburn

asked the Minister of Health the maximum sum which he is prepared to authorise over and above the present maximum cost allowed for new houses in respect of the provision of up-to-date and scientific coal-burning apparatus; in how many cases such additional expenditure has been permitted up to date; and what steps have been taken to inform house-building authorities of this facility.

Mr. Bevan

I have no doubt that the wide publicity given to my hon. Friend's statement will effectively have brought it to the notice of local authorities. The cost of the appliances varies considerably according to type and design, and the question what extra cost may be allowed in a particular case by reason of the inclusion of approved appliances must depend upon an examination of costs in that case. I regret that information is not available as to the number of cases in which additional cost has been allowed.