HC Deb 07 February 1940 vol 357 cc209-11
52. Sir M. Manningham-Buller

asked the Minister of Supply what provisions exist, or are proposed, for the collection of paper and scrap-iron in the rural areas?

Mr. Burgin

Some rural district councils are collecting waste paper separately from other waste, and in many other areas collections are undertaken by, or in conjunction with, various voluntary organisations. Arrangements have been made, in conjunction with the National Farmers' Union, for the collection of iron and steel scrap from farms and estates in Gloucestershire and Worcestershire. If these arrangements are successful, it is proposed to extend them to the rest of the country in the near future.

Sir M. Manningham-Buller

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there are now large accumulations of waste paper in many villages and that there is no means of disposing of them?

Mr. Burgin

Yes, Sir. I am most anxious that all that waste paper should be collected. It is primarily a matter for the local authorities, but paper mills will have a difficulty in absorbing it in less than a given tonnage at a time. If my hon. and gallant Friend will give me all the information he has, I shall be happy to make some special arrangements.

Mr. Holdsworth

Is there not some difficulty in regard to price?

Sir Percy Harris

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that, in the majority of London boroughs—indeed, in a great part of the country—local authorities are refusing to discharge their duty of collecting paper and metal separately; and will the right hon. Gentleman, in such cases of refusal to perform this most important work, consider taking compulsory powers?

Mr. Burgin

Yes, Sir. The hon. Gentleman will appreciate that the Question on the Paper relates to rural areas, and I have not dealt with the Metropolitan position in my answer. I am aware of it and I hope these authorities will use their powers in order to ensure that this essential work should not be interfered with.

Mr. Holdsworth

Could not the collection be made by the ordinary trade channels if the prices were such as paid for collection?

Mr. Burgin

If prices are the difficulty I will look into that.

Mr. A. C. Reed

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the arrangements for the collection of waste paper in the country outside one or two big towns is absolutely farcical and that there are actually 1,000,000 tons of paper a year being thrown away which is valuable raw material; and will he make some effort to put the matter right? It is largely a matter of price.

Mr. Burgin

I shall be glad to have the maximum co-operation in a piece of organisation which is obviously very difficult and equally obviously in the national interest. I am making every possible effort to secure the result which everybody desires.

Mr. Price

Will the Minister consider the question of transport in relation to outlying areas where a lot of paper has accumulated?

Mr. Burgin

Yes, Sir.

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