Oral Answers to Questions — Summer Fuel Restrictions

– in the House of Commons am 12:00 am ar 1 Mai 1947.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Mr James Carmichael Mr James Carmichael , Glasgow Bridgeton 12:00, 1 Mai 1947

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will state the names of the organisations and authorities consulted in Scotland prior to deciding that space-heating would not be permitted in industrial and commercial establishments during May to October, inclusive; and if he is aware that climatic conditions in Scotland are all against maximum production unless space-heating is permitted in October and that this was admitted during war years when, notwithstanding the full restrictions, space-heating was allowed in Scotland as from the end of September.

Photo of Mr Emanuel Shinwell Mr Emanuel Shinwell , Seaham

As I explained in the statement which I made to the House on 24th April, we consulted representatives of the two sides of industry through the National Production Advisory Council on Industry, the membership of which includes the Chairman of all the Regional Boards for Industry. The employers' and workpeople's organisations concerned, namely, the British Employers' Confederation, the Federation of British Industries and the Trades Union Congress, are also representative of the country as a whole, including Scotland. I am well aware that parts of Scotland, and indeed of England and Wales, are liable to exceptionally severe climatic conditions, and not only during October. The Order makes it possible to deal with such conditions, if they arise, by the issue of licences.

Lieut.-Commander Clark Hutchison:

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power (1) if he will except householders who have one or more children under the age of four years from the provisions of the Order dealing with the prohibition of the space-heating of residential premises;

(2) if he will except householders who are 70 years of age or older from the provisions of the Order dealing with the prohibition of the space-heating of residential premises and

(3) if he will state the meteorological evidence upon which he justifies the application of the Order prohibiting the space-heating of residential premises in Scotland without modification.

Photo of Mr Emanuel Shinwell Mr Emanuel Shinwell , Seaham

A statement will be made in the course of the Debate this afternoon, which will cover the points raised by the hon. and gallant Member in these questions.

Lieut.-Commander Hutchison:

Is the Minister aware that under paragraph 5 of the Order a concession is made in the case of institutions for aged people, and can he not extend that concession to those living in their own homes?

Photo of Mr Emanuel Shinwell Mr Emanuel Shinwell , Seaham

That is precisely one of the questions which will be dealt with in the course of the statement.