HC Deb 03 July 1940 vol 362 cc819-20
18. Lieut.-Colonel Sir Thomas Moore

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has made a survey of all the superfluous and derelict steel rails throughout the railway systems of the country, with a view to utilising them for the national war effort?

The Minister of Transport (Sir John Reith)

My Department has considered this matter with the Railway Executive Committee. Any superfluous but still serviceable rails are used in the construction of sidings and other emergency works needed for the war. Unserviceable rails are handed over to the Iron and Steel Control.

Sir T. Moore

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that there is a lot of other material on the railway systems which could be used for war purposes?