§ Mr. Hordernasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is Her Majesty's Government's policy towards allowing arrangements to be made to provide heating for playgroups in the same way as heating for schools in present conditions; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. EmeryI have been asked to reply.
Two factors usually will apply. Firstly the premises may be exempt from the scope of the restriction if, for example, they are used wholly or mainly for education. Otherwise if a playgroup meets in premises which are heated by electricity and which have no form of alternative heating application may be made for a licence and this will normally be granted. The application should be made to the regional office of the Department of Trade and Industry in whose area the premises are located. Electric storage heaters may in any case be used between the hours of 00.30 and 07.30.