§ 38. Mr. Thorneasked the Minister of Supply whether he has made inquiries as to how many German tanks there are in this country taken during the last war; and what action he intends taking about them?
§ Mr. H. MorrisonAs stated in the reply given by my predecessor to the hon. Member for Linlithgow (Mr. Mathers) on 24th April, the Iron and Steel Control have for some months past been in touch with local authorities on the question of the collection of iron and steel scrap, and a substantial amount of the material to which my hon. Friend refers has already been obtained in this way. I will gladly consider taking further steps in regard to any cases brought to my notice.
§ Mr. ThorneIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are a number of German guns, in Wellington Barracks, and there may be others in other parts of the country, and will he consult with the War Office with a view to getting them melted down?
§ Mr. MorrisonYes, Sir.
§ Mr. Glenvil HallWill the right hon. Gentleman also consult local authorities, because there are dozens of these guns all over the place, and many local authorities, I am confident, would be only too glad to get rid of them.
§ Mr. MorrisonLocal authorities have already been communicated with. The hon. Gentleman will appreciate that I personally would not know where all these guns are, but if hon. Members know of any cases that they think could be looked into I should be glad if they would communicate with me.