HC Deb 13 March 1956 vol 550 cc217-9
36. Mr. Dodds

asked the Minister of Works how many tyres and inner tubes have been taken over by his Department from the Ministry of Supply surplus stocks since 1st January, 1954; and how

370 tons of litter were left in the Royal Parks during 1955, of which about two-thirds were placed in litter baskets. The cost of removal was about £10,000. I am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT details of the amounts left in individual parks on certain dates.

Mr. Hill

Whilst thanking my right hon. Friend for promising to circulate the details, may I ask what steps he proposes to take to reduce the considerable proportion of litter still left upon the ground in the Royal Parks, despite the provision of numerous litter baskets?

Mr. Buchan-Hepburn

There has, of course, been publicity and an instructional campaign, but I think it would lose effect if we had that all the time. I may say that in the next financial year there will be 200 more baskets provided in Hyde Park, and certainly the park keepers will watch the situation and warn people who are seen throwing litter about.

Mr. Stokes

Will the right hon. Gentleman state what proportion of the 350 tons was empty bottles?

Mr. Buchan-Hepburn

I should require to have notice of that question.

Following are the details:

many tyres and inner tubes have been ordered by his Department from other sources in the same period.

Mr. Buchan-Hepburn

Since 1st January, 1954, 2,953 tyres and 1,362 tubes have been obtained by my Department from the Ministry of Supply, which has running contracts on behalf of all Departments with the suppliers. I understand that some of these tyres and tubes were from surplus stocks. One hundred and sixty-eight tyres and 24 tubes of special types not in general use were obtained directly from the trade by my Department.

Mr. Dodds

Is the Minister aware that the Answer that he has just given is necessary as part of a jigsaw puzzle which, when completed, will reveal an astonishing waste of public money?

Mr. Buchan-Hepburn

I hope that the hon. Gentleman regards the Answer as very satisfactory.

Mr. Dodds

It helps me considerably.