§ 48. Lieut.-Colonel Heneageasked the Minister of Supply how many London boroughs have made arrangements for saving waste products for feeding-stuffs, and how many have not done so; and will he give the names of those who have not done so?
§ Mr. BurginNone of the 28 Metropolitan borough councils has made arrangements for salving kitchen waste for pig feeding, but, as my hon. Friend is no doubt aware, the Central London area is covered by contractors who collect from hotels, restaurants, etc., and sell the kitchen waste to pig keepers.
§ Lieut.-Colonel HeneageIs my right hon. Friend satisfied that all that is possible is saved by the contractors? If not, will he indicate what steps he will take?
§ Mr. BurginNo, Sir, I am not yet satisfied; but the publicity that is being given to this matter, and the steps that are being taken by the Controller of Salvage are already resulting in a visible improvement, and I propose to go on improving improvement.
§ Lieut.-Colonel HeneageCan my right hon. Friend assure me that the local authorities are fully aware of the shortage of feeding-stuffs in the country and of the fact that it is their duty to remedy that shortage?
§ Mr. BurginYes, Sir.
§ Mr. AmmonIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this will impose very great expense on the borough councils?
§ Mr. BurginYes, Sir. I am also aware that these substances are badly wanted by the State for the prosecution of the war.
Miss RathboneIs it not time that—whoever pays for it—these arrangements should be made compulsory? Has not the voluntary principle gone on for a long time with too little results?