HC Deb 08 May 1940 vol 360 cc1226-7
52. Rear-Admiral Beamish

asked the Minister of Supply whether he can make a statement on the progress of the collection of scrap metals in response to the appeals which have recently been made?

Mr. Burgin

The collection of scrap metals is being organised through the salvage schemes of the local authorities and by special campaigns conducted by the Iron and Steel Control. The progress of the local authorities' schemes is shown by their monthly returns. The collection of ferrous scrap rose from 4,800 tons in January to 8,900 tons in March, and of non-ferrous scrap from 532 tons in January to 709 tons in March. It is expected that, with the additional schemes recently launched, the amounts collected will again be increased substantially.

The campaigns of the Iron and Steel Control cover both industrial works and rural areas. An appeal to factories and mills, stimulated by personal visits, has produced nearly 100,000 tons of scrap iron and steel, apart from the quantity sold in the ordinary course. In co-operation with the National Farmers' Union and the Central Landowners' Association, a survey is being made, county by county, of scrap iron on farms and landed estates, with a view to organising the collections in the most economical way. Inquiries have been addressed to 25,000 farmers and landowners, and the collection has already taken place in Worcestershire. Other counties will be taken in turn. A scheme is being prepared in conjunction with the Red Cross Agricultural Committee for organising village dumps for scrap iron, and it is hoped to launch it shortly. Some quantities of old railings have been obtained, and an exhibition, which is being opened this week, will show the advantages to be obtained by scrapping iron railings in favour of other materials.

Mr. Lipson

Would my right hon. Friend consider encouraging local authorities to organise "scrap iron weeks" in their areas?

Mr. A. Edwards

Is the Minister aware that while railings are being pulled down in some parts, they are being erected in other parts. Will he see that no one is allowed to put up railings?

Mr. Edmund Harvey

Will the Minister see that railings at pedestrian crossings are scrapped?

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