HC Deb 07 August 1940 vol 364 cc203-4
48. Mr. E. Smith

asked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware that there are millions of tons of steel rails unused in the country; and will he take steps to secure this steel for the Ministry, and, if required, introduce a short Bill or regulation for the purpose of preserving running rights where they are insisted upon, or take other appropriate action to secure the steel at once?

Mr. H. Morrison

I assume my hon. Friend is referring to disused railway tracks. These are being taken up for scrap wherever possible, though it may be desirable in certain cases to maintain such tracks in being even if they are not at present being used. I am in touch with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport on this subject and with my hon. Friend the Secretary for Mines on the question of utilising old tracks in mines and quarries.

Commander Sir Archibald Southby

Will my right hon. Friend take steps to expedite the collection of the immense amount of scrap lying in dumps at the present time around the country?

Mr. Morrison

I have already explained—

Mr. Speaker

That question enlarges the scope of the Question on the Paper, which concerns steel rails.