§ 39. Mr. STANTONasked the Minister of Munitions if his attention has been called to the fact that the Associated Rubber Manufacturers, Limited, 172, Great Portland Street, W., has from time to time bought old tyres from the front, used the rubber and old canvas, and has in other cases been able to re-tread the old tyres, and that at least 200 men are engaged at the various depots cutting up these tyres, which means deliberate wastage; whether Mr. Thomas Warwick, the managing director of the firm, has called the attention of the Ministry of Munitions to this matter during the last twelve months; and if his Department will see that this method is altered at once.
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSI am aware that the Associated Rubber Manufacturers, Limited have bought old tyres returned from the front and re-treaded them for private use. At the time these were bought mutilated tyres realised as good prices as those not mutilated. The Ministry is prepared to consider the question of the sale of old tyres for re-treading if the price obtained justifies the expense of sorting.