CAB129-45 — Page 342

Page 342 (d) The insulation of 99,000 sq. ft. of a factory roof såved a firm 625 tons of coal per annum. The cost was £8,200; it was paid off in less than four years.

Measures already taken

6. The problem of saving coal is two-fold:-

(a) Making the users of coal aware that they are wasting it, and leading them

to desire to save it."

(b) Providing the services and equipment by which improved efficiency of use

can be brought about.

My predecessors did much to start both parts of this work.

(i) Regional Fuel Efficiency Committees organised conferences of indus-

trialists, local authorities and others.

(ii) Special literature was prepared and published, including a monthly broad-

sheet entitled, "Fuel Efficiency News."

(iii) A service of Fuel Efficiency Engineers qualified to advise industry was

set up.

1.

(iv) A service of stoker demonstrators for training stokers was created. (One untrained stoker serving a "Lancashire Boiler " may waste as much coal per day as a miner can dig.)

(v) Mobile Testing Units were introduced, manned by experts who, with specialised instruments, could advise industrial firms about how. and where they were wasting heat and power.

(vi) A Coal Utilisation Joint Council was created to promote the more efficient. use of solid fuel. This is financed by the National Coal Board, the Coal Traders and the manufacturers and distributors of appliances. The expected income is £250,000 per annum.

7. These services have undoubtedly given a very considerable result. The Mobile Testing Units visited many different kinds of firms in 1950. They showed that on the average a saving of 22 per cent. of fuel could be made. In some cases, large savings were effected without any new capital investment.

8. It is, of course, essential that in all these services the officers employed should be real experts to whom coal users must listen because of their superior knowledge and experience. This makes it difficult to expand the services as quickly as might be desired.

9. Nevertheless, I have, with the approval of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, taken the following steps during this winter :—

(a) The numbers of fuel technicians have been increased from 117 to 144. The approved establishment is 166. I hope to add more, as the right men can be found.

(b) In addition to the four large Mobile Testing Units in use last year, 12 smaller Units suitable for advising medium size and smaller industrial firms have been added.

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(c) A senior Executive of high personal prestige and standing is being appointed to act as Liason Officer between the Ministry, associations representing both sides of industry, and industrial firms. I confidently expect that this Officer will be able to expand the use of the Mobile Testing Units and ensure the fuller application of the advice which their staffs give. (d) The old Fuel Efficiency Committees have been dissolved, and new and smaller Central and Regional Advisory Committees have been appointed in their place. The Central Advisory Committee attached to my Ministry consists of the following: Captain Gregson, Mr. W. L. Boon, Mr. Oliver Lyle, Professor Sarjant, and Professor Newitt, of the T.U.C. Scientific Advisory Committee. These men are recognised as being leading authorities on the subject. They are starting their work this month. They are empowered to enquire into any aspect of fuel Page 34efficiency and to make recommendations. Page 342 of 587