HC Deb 17 October 1946 vol 427 cc261-2W
123. Sir W. Wakefield

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power in view of the memorandum issued by the district heating sub-committee of the Building Research Board emphasising that an appreciable saving in coal and a better standard of heat service can be achieved by the introduction of district heating schemes, what steps it is now proposed to take to ensure that a large number of district heating schemes are introduced in suitable parts of this country at the earliest opportunity and to provide inducements and better facilities for all local authorities who are in a position to participate in such schemes.

Mr. Gaitskell

The Government are doing all they can to encourage and foster the extension of district heating, and machinery has already been set up for considering schemes prepared by local authorities. Two schemes have been approved, others are under consideration, and many more are known to be coming forward. In addition to the memorandum quoted in the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to the recent publication on "District Heating as applied to Small Housing Estates" issued jointly by my Ministry and the Ministry of Works. I am sending the hon. Member a copy of this document.