§ 61. Mr. Walkerasked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the national shortage of scrap-iron, he has considered, or will consider, the advisability of issuing a circular to all local authorities asking them to organise, in connection with their refuse collection, a house-to-house collection of scrap-iron, the profits to be devoted to local charities?
§ Sir K. WoodLocal authorities have power to undertake or contract for removal from premises of house refuse, which includes tins and other scrap metal. A considerable amount is recovered by a number of authorities in this way. I am advised, however, that in many cases, particularly those of smaller authorities, the cost of recovery would substantially exceed the amount realised and I do not, therefore, think that it is practicable to take any further steps in the matter.
§ Mr. WalkerIs the Minister aware that at the present moment we are importing thousands of tons of scrap; that there are thousands of tons of scrap in this country which is not being collected because there is no adequate or efficient means of doing so, and as the local authorities possess the only effective means of doing the job, will the right hon. Gentleman not issue a circular such as I have suggested in the question; and further is he aware that the non-collection by local authorities is not confined to the small authorities but extends to the larger authorities as well?
§ Sir K. WoodIn the case of the smaller authorities, it might well be considered that it was not particularly the duty of a local authority to act in this matter especially when, as I have stated, the cost of recovery would substantially exceed the amount realised.
§ Mr. ThorneIs the Minister prepared to advise local authorities to get rid of the old tanks and guns which many of them have?