§ Miss Richardsonasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether, in order to prevent the possible closure of schools due to oil shortage, he will advise local authorities to convert their schools to gas central heating.
§ Dr. BoysonLocal education authorities are already aware of the need to reduce their dependence on oil products, and it should be possible to avoid disruption if all consumers are prepared to economise. Officials will shortly be holding discussions with local authority representatives about the best way to achieve further savings but the conversion of oil-fired heating systems is unlikely to be cost effective except where they are nearing the end of their useful life.