Lieut.-Colonel Dower:

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will make a statement with regard to the fire at Himley Hall, headquarters of the National Coal Board; and what the cost of the damage will be to the taxpayer.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power the estimated cost of the fire damage to Himley Hall; what investigation has been made as to possible negligence; and whether the building is insured.

I have no information about the fire at Himley Hall, other than that communicated to the Press. No part of the cost of the damage will fall on the taxpayer.

Lieut.-Colonel Dower:

Can the right hon. Gentleman find out and let us know if the fire was in any way caused by the Coal Board seeking alternative sources of supply?

Will the Minister say whether the offices of the Coal Board are to get any greater priority in repairs than the offices of those people which were destroyed in the last three or four years?

That is obviously a question which ought to be directed to the Ministry of Works.

Will the right hon. Gentleman convey to the Chairman of the West Midland Coal Board the congratulations of this House on having taken action to raise the temperature in one place?

I will try to extend the congratulations to the National Coal Board. I shall be only too pleased to advise them of the hon. Member's, suggestion.