HC Deb 30 May 1940 vol 361 cc666-8
Mr. R. C. Morrison

(by Private Notice) asked the Minister of Supply whether he can now make any statement as to the steps he proposes to take to improve the collection of salvage?

Mr. H. Morrison

Yes, Sir. I have decided to invite all women Members of this House to serve as a committee to advise me as to further steps which should be taken in this connection. The Chairman of the Committee will be the hon. Member for Anglesey (Miss Lloyd George) and the Vice-Chairmen will be the hon. Members for Dartford (Mrs. Adamson) and Wall send (Miss Ward). The further encouragement of public interest in the collection of salvage is very desirable and I have appointed a public relations officer in the Ministry of Supply who, among other matters, will give special attention to this aspect of the work of the Ministry.

Sir P. Harris

Will this committee of our women colleagues have any executive power or will the right hon. Gentleman appoint an executive officer under them who can take action, because a long time has already elapsed since this matter was originally raised in the House?

Mr. H. Morrison

The committee will be in contact with the appropriate executive officer at the Ministry. They will have a secretary appointed. While they must necessarily be advisory, I shall, of course, pay the greatest attention to any recommendations which this committee of women Members of the House may make.

Mrs. Hardie

If this is a question for the local authorities may I ask whether the local authorities are carrying out their duties, and, if not, why not insist upon their doing so?

Mr. H. Morrison

The local authorities have certain duties or certain obligations and, if necessary, compulsory powers can be used, but I think it will commend itself to the House that there should be a committee of the women Members, who can form, in my judgment, a very suitable instrument for the purpose of pushing this business on.

Sir Herbert Williams

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, three months ago, an invitation was conveyed to the women Members of this House to tender evidence to a Select Committee and that, up to now, they have failed to take advantage of that invitation?

Mr. H. Morrison

That; question must be referred to the women Members of the House.

Mr. J. J. Davidson

Will those women Members of the committee be in a position to advise the Minister as to action to be taken with regard to local authorities?

Mr. H. Morrison

Most certainly.

Sir F. Sanderson

Is the Minister aware that a model plant can be inspected at Ealing?

Mr. A. Bevan

Is the Minister satisfied that it is a good principle to appoint committees on sex qualifications, and would he like to commit himself to the statement that an ordinary working-class Member of this House knows less about garbage than the hon. Lady the Member for the Sutton Division of Plymouth (Viscountess Astor)?