§ 57. Mr. Ralph Ethertonasked the Minister of Supply whether he is satisfied that the present arrangements for the acquisition of scrap metal, particularly iron and aluminium, both by purchase and gift, are the best which can be made; and whether those arrangements secure that metal is acquired at the lowest possible cost to the country?
§ Mr. H. MorrisonAs regards iron and steel scrap, I would refer my hon. Friend to the statement I published in the Press on 25th July, a copy of which I am sending to him. The position is continually under consideration and while I think the present arrangements are satisfactory, improvements are being made whenever and wherever possible. The terms for the acquisition of scrap aluminium are now a matter for my Noble Friend the Minister of Aircraft Production.
§ Mr. EthertonWill the Minister take special steps to eliminate middlemen's profits, both in respect of gifts and purchases?
§ Mr. MorrisonThat must depend upon whether the middleman has a function to perform. If he has not, I agree with the hon. Member's point, but if he has, he must be rewarded like the rest of us.
§ Mr. EthertonIs the Minister convinced that there is a proper function for a middleman to perform in respect of gifts of metal?
§ Mr. MorrisonAs this matter is to pass to the Minister of Aircraft Production in the course of a few days, I think it is only right that my Noble Friend should now deal with it.
§ >Mr. MorrisonIt all depends on the circumstances.