§ Mr. McCrindleasked the Secretary of State for Energy what studies have been conducted into the potential for urban district heating systems in the south of England; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithMy Department has undertaken a programme of work to examine the economic and practical potential of combined heat and power/district heating in nine inner city areas. One of the areas examined was in the south of England—in the London boroughs of Southwark and Tower Hamlets. I refer my hon. Friend to the reply which my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State made to the Select Committee on Energy on 5 April and to the answer which he gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Newcastle upon Tyne, Central (Mr. Merchant) on that date at column602.