HC Deb 05 October 1939 vol 351 cc2073-4
45. Mr. White

asked the Prime Minister whether it is the intention of the Govern- ment to set up a National Salvage Council?

The Prime Minister (Mr. Chamberlain)

The question of setting up a special organisation to deal with salvage is being considered by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Supply in consultation with other Departments concerned.

73. Sir Patrick Hannon

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the profitable results which have accrued to Glasgow through the action of the corporation in salving waste paper and other valuable materials from refuse; and whether he will issue, a circular to local authorities throughout Great Britain urging them to adopt similar measures of economy in municipal administration?

The Minister of Health (Mr. Elliot)

I am aware of the salvage activities in Glasgow. Numerous local authorities in England recover waste materials from refuse and approximately 70 of the larger authorities have established special separator plants for the purpose. The measures to be adopted for securing increased salvage activity are at present under review, and I will bear my hon. Friend's suggestion in mind.

Mr. R. C. Morrison

Will the right hon. Gentleman, when considering these measures, also consider the question of giving powers to local authorities to make it compulsory on the part of householders to keep their waste paper separate, as by doing so it would enable the amount of waste paper to be multiplied many times?

Mr. Elliot

These matters are under consideration between myself and the Minister of Supply.

Mr. McGovern

Will the Minister also consider the point that local authorities want power to save money by providing for housebuilding, and will he give them the same consideration?