§ Mr. Ray Powellasked the Secretary of State for Wales, whether, due to the oil shortage, he will consider advising all Government Departments to convert their central heating systems to coal.
§ Mr. Geoffrey FinsbergI have been asked to reply.
Central heating systems in the majority of Government Departments are provided by the Property Services Agency. The choice of fuel for new installations and renewals is carefully evaluated and alternatives to oil are certainly considered. To convert all Government central heating systems to coal would involve a massive capital investment programme extending over many years and a substantial increase in boilerhouse staff.