§ 39. Mr. Marcus Samuelasked the Minister of Supply whether he will give orders to organise a house-to-house collection and requisition all scrap-metal, commandeering for this purpose the transport services of the local authorities or their contractors, without further delay?
§ The Minister of Supply (Mr. Herbert Morrison)Most local authorities, acting on recommendations from my Department, are already making house-to-house collections of salvage, including scrap 159 metals, using for this purpose their transport services. The Iron and Steel Control have launched a village dump scheme through the rural district councils to collect scrap metal in the country districts. The question of issuing an Order or Orders for the fuller organisation of house-to-house collections and the requisitioning of scrap metal, including the use of the services of local authorities and others, is now being considered in consultation with the Advisory Committee of Members of Parliament, and I hope to arrive at a decision thereon shortly.
§ Sir T. MooreWill the right hon. Gentleman consider the desirability of local authorities being compelled to take this action in regard to scrap metal?
§ Mr. MorrisonThat is a point which is under consideration, and I expect to reach a conclusion upon it soon.
§ Sir F. FremantleMay I ask whether the demolition squads which exist throughout the country and which have the transport necessary, could not be used for this purpose while idle and doing nothing?
§ Mr. MorrisonThat is a matter upon which the views of the Civil Defence authorities will have to be considered, but I will see that the point is looked into.
§ Sir Waldron SmithersIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are tons and tons of scrap iron and metal available but that local authorities are taking no steps whatever to collect it?
§ Mr. MorrisonThat is rather a sweeping statement.
§ Sir W. SmithersIt is true.
§ Mr. MorrisonIt may be true of some authorities, but in any case I am giving the matter consideration.
§ Mr. LipsonWill the right hon. Gentleman ask local authorities to organise a scrap-metal week in their areas?
§ Mr. MorrisonI will consider that point.
§ 45. Mr. Naylorasked the Minister of Supply what offer of iron railings he has received from the London Inns of Court?
§ Mr. MorrisonThe London Inns of Court are already taking steps to release non-essential railings for scrap purposes, 160 and I am in communication with them as to the arrangements for disposal.
§ Mr. LoganWill the Minister take into consideration the question whether scrap railings should be kept for the purpose of hostilities?
§ 46. Mr. Thorneasked the Minister of Supply whether he has received any information about the three-ton German gun that stands on Westerham Green, Kent; and whether the gun will be melted down for munitions?
§ Mr. MorrisonNo information has been received in respect of the German gun on Westerham Green, but local authorities have been invited to offer such guns for scrap purposes, and I have given instructions for the local authority to be approached with a view to the gun being removed.