§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether any steps have been taken to instal a single boiler system for central heating in the Palace of Westminster instead of the several separate boiler systems formerly in operation.
§ Mr. ArmstrongThe Palace of West-minister central heating installation has been operating on a single boiler plant for many years.
§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the yield of sulphur-dioxide produced into the atmosphere from the particular oil product used in the boilers in the Palace of Westminster; and how this compares with the emissions authorised by the Westminster City Council.
§ Mr. ArmstrongThe fuel oil currently in use produces a sulphur dioxide emission of 60 lbs. for every 1,000 lbs. of fuel burned. This level complies with the Clean Air Act 1968 and is acceptable to the Westminster City Council, which has no authorised emission limits.
It is proposed, however to install new burners in the boiler next year. These would permit the use of a lighter fuel oil, which would reduce the sulphur dioxide emission of less than 10 lbs. for every 1,000 lbs. of fuel burned.
§ Mr. Maddenasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what are the cost, and the manufacturer, of new carpet laid in the House of Commons during the Summer Recess; and if he will give an assurance that further orders for carpeting will be placed with British manufacturers.
§ Mr. ArmstrongThe cost was £3,936. All the carpets were manufactured in Britain and my Department will continue the established policy of ordering from British firms.