§ Mr. DobsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to the answers to the hon. Member for Easington (Mr. Cummings) of 22 January,Official Report, column 118, what progress his Department has made in evaluating the hazards of petroleum coke used in domestic appliances and in discussing with the suppliers the instructions for use of this fuel in domestic appliances.
§ Mr. LilleyMy Department has found some evidence of problems when petroleum coke has been used in closed appliances or has not been blended before use. There is little evidence of problems experienced by consumers when the fuel is pre-blended and used only in open-grate fires. Such precautions form the basis of our recommendations to suppliers to provide instructions for consumers. The suppliers have undertaken to provide clear instructions on the safe use of this fuel.