HC Deb 28 November 1946 vol 430 cc355-6W
121. Mr. John E. Haire

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power to what extent the recent fuel warnings issued by his Department have been successful.

Mr. Shinwell

It is difficult at this early stage of the winter, when fuel consumption must necessarily be increasing, to give a quantitive estimate of the results of my appeals for fuel economy.

124. Mr. Renton

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is aware that the advice given concerning insulation of buildings and space heating of houses at the National Conference on Fuel and the Future organised by his Department cannot be followed because floorboards are, according to Ministry of Health Circular 201/46, not available in sufficient quantities; and what steps he is taking to correct that advice.

Mr. Shinwell

No, Sir. The standard of floor insulation can be achieved without the use of any timber. For example, the use of pitch mastic laid directly on concrete has been recommended to local authorities by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health.

126. Mr. Walker-Smith

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power why the Trades Union Congress letter, reference EVT/CGG/AVC/ 1196 of October, was printed by His Majesty's Stationery Office and sent in envelopes marked O.H.M.S.

Mr. Shinwell

The document in question is a reproduction in poster form by my Ministry of a circular letter on fuel economy, addressed by the Chairman and Acting Secretary of the Trades Union Congress to trade unionists. The letter itself was printed and issued wholly at the expense of the T.U.C. There was no disbursement of public funds or use of official envelopes for the distribution of the letter. The letter was reproduced by my Department in poster form for display in the larger industrial and non-industrial establishments, the poster being printed by His Majesty's Stationery Office. Its issue was undertaken by my Department at public expense I may add that the poster has been very well received and has provided valuable publicity to the campaign for fuel economy.

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