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Fuel Saving Appliances

Volume 486: debated on Monday 9 April 1951

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21.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he has considered offering to the public at a low price modern fuel-conserving grates and stoves, so as to economise in the use of solid fuel for domestic purposes.

As my hon. Friend no doubt recalls, there is no Purchase Tax on appliances which burn solid fuel. I am considering various other measures designed to encourage the public to replace old fashioned grates and stoves by modern and more efficient types.

Has my right hon. Friend calculated that we might save 10 million tons of coal a year if open fires could be replaced by modern grates or stoves? Would he consider introducing a Noel-Baker type of stove?

About one million improved appliances have been sold since the issuing of the Simon Report.

Is not the first step in this development to secure the co-operation of the local authorities to install stoves instead of open hearths?

Yes, Sir, and everything is done to ensure that they put in improved appliances. They are given special prices when they buy these appliances in bulk.