asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will encourage local authorities to heat all new developments and improvement areas by district heating to assist the economy by controlling the use of fuel, and to contribute to environmental improvement.

My Department already encourages local authorities to consider district heating for new housing developments, and approved schemes for new or improved housing qualify for financial assistance. Among a number of studies now in hand relating to energy conservation is one into the performance of district heating. As results become available it will be possible to decide what further action should be taken in this field.