HC Deb 08 May 1940 vol 360 cc1225-6
51. Mr. Graham White

asked the Minister of Supply whether it is his intention to substitute orders under the Defence of the Realm Act for the recommendations he has hitherto made to local authorities in relation to the salvage of waste?

Mr. Burgin

I would refer the hon. Member to the replies given on 13th March to the hon. Member for Consett (Mr. David Adams), on 21st March to the hon. Member for the English Universities (Miss Rathbone), and on 1st May to the hon. Member for Bristol, West (Mr. Culverwell). Since March, there has been a substantial increase in the number of local authorities who have organised salvage work and also in the efficiency of their operations. In view of this, it is not proposed at present to make Orders under the Emergency Powers (Defence) Act to enforce my recommendations, but this step is being kept in view by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health and myself in case further experience should make it necessary or desirable.

Mr. Thorne

Would it be of advantage if I and other people, who have a number of old books to get rid of, handed them over to the local authorities?

Mr. Burgin

Yes, Sir. The repulping of libraries which are no longer required, would be a useful contribution.

Mr. R. C. Morrison

Has the Minister any evidence that any local authority is deliberately refusing to reclaim salvage?

Mr. Burgin

"Deliberately refusing" is a strong term, but some are not doing all that they might.

Mr. George Griffiths

Is the Minister aware that some who are reclaiming salvage cannot get rid of it?

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