§ Mr. Kilfedderasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) what steps he is taking during the current period of difficulty about oil supplies to keep schools open for the education of children;
(2) what steps he is taking during the current period of difficulty about oil supplies to keep open old people's homes, other welfare homes and to maintain adequate oil supplies to pensioners' dwellings; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ConcannonThere is a shortage of oil throughout the United Kingdom due
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§ Mr. OakesThe information requested for England at January 1978, the latest available date, is given below. Information about schools in Wales is now the responsibility of my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.
to the loss of crude oil supplies from Iran and to the abnormally cold weather during recent months, which has led to an exceptionally high demand for heating oil.
It is not possible in these circumstances to guarantee supplies in all reported cases of hardship, but oil distributors in Northern Ireland are aware of the need to give priority to consumers of the kind referred to in the questions. I understand that the needs of old people's homes and other welfare homes are being met. In the case of schools, every effort is being made by oil suppliers to meet demand and thus avoid closures.