Too little, too late’

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33455, 9 February 1974, Page 3

Too little, too late’

f.V.Z. Press Association) I WELLINGTON, February 8. The Opposition welcomed the announcement that Government scientists had developed an improved solar water-heating system, Mr L. W. Gandar, the Opposition spokesman of energy resources said today. “Unfortunately, it is a case of too little too late as far as this year’s electricity gen-| eration situation is con-: icerned.” he said. Mr Gandar said the. Opposi- ■ Tion believed the following; (measures were available to; the Government five months; ago, when the energy crisis'; became apparent: I i Immediate grants for all new gas appliances; grants to! encourage the manufacture I of gas appliances; grants to i local authorities to extend! Igas reticulation: grants for* 'house insulation; mandatory I .insulation in all new State houses; interest-free loans for insulation in all houses qualifying for State Advances loans; and immediate grants to encourage the conversion of oil-burning appliances to burn gas. If such measures had been taken early enough their cumulative effect might have greatly relieved the present situation, said Mr Gandar.