§ 21. Major Sir Jocelyn Lucasasked the Home Secretary whether arrangements are made for constantly damping down dumps of damaged timber from bombed houses in order to minimise the danger from incendiaries, and the consequent risk of bombing of houses in the neighbourhood?
§ Mr. H. MorrisonNo, Sir, but instructions have been issued by my Department as to the precautions to be taken with regard to stacks of salvaged timber and as to the methods of stacking which should be carried out.
§ 24. Captain Cunningham-Reidasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that wood salvaged from air raids is being burnt by the authorities in large quantities; and whether, in view of the shortage of wood both for construction and for home consumpton, he will give instructions that the larger pieces shall be saved and that the smaller pieces shall be given to the poor people in the district concerned?
§ Mr. MorrisonI am not aware that timber which is of value is being dealt with in the manner suggested. Local authorities have already been authorised to make arrangements whereby small quantities of broken timber which is valueless may be collected personally free of charge by local householders for their own private use.
§ Captain Cunningham-ReidWill the Minister allow me to give him examples of such instances?
§ Mr. MorrisonYes, Sir; if the hon. and gallant Member will let me have them, I will look into them.
§ Sir Irving AlberyWill my right hon. Friend bear in mind that other hon. Members also have had this sort of thing brought to their attention?
§ Mr. MorrisonPerhaps they also will let: me have particulars.