asked the Minister for Energy why trade union offices are exempt from the lighting and heating restrictions ; and if he will remove this exemption in view of the fact that adjacent offices are subject to these restrictions.

Some trade union offices have been granted licences to permit them to use electricity on days not permitted under the order to the extent that it is necessary to enable them to carry out essential functions arising out of the present emergency. The amount of lighting is restricted by SI 1973/2080 and they may not use electricity for heating except for night storage heaters.