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Mr. Richard Mitchell
asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will seek to permit local authorities to pay grants, under the Clean Air Act, to householders who wish to instal electric radiant heaters in areas where smokeless solid fuels are difficult to obtain.
Mr. Mellish
Direct acting heaters were excluded from grant because of the strain which they would impose on electricity supplies at peak periods. After consulting his right hon. Friend the Minister of Power, my right hon. Friend the Minister of Housing and Local Government has concluded that the time is not yet ripe to alter this. His right hon. Friend informs him that, overall, supplies of solid smokeless fuels are adequate, although it may not always be possible to obtain the fuel of one's choice.