§ 43. Mr. Priceasked the Minister of Supply what steps are being taken to en courage local authorities in the collection and preparation of edible household waste which may assist in meeting the deficiency in animal feeding-stuffs?
44 and 45. Mr. De la Bèreasked the Minister of Supply (1) the number of towns in which plant for processing kitchen waste has been established, and, in view of the long foreseen shortage of 913 feeding-stuffs why there has been so much delay;
(2) whether his experts have tested and approved the Tottenham system of processing kitchen waste for pig and poultry food; and is it his intention to extend this system to all large centres of population?
§ Sir A. Duncan357 local authorities in England, Scotland and Wales are making special collections of edible household waste and are recovering over 9,000 tons a month. In addition, over 1,000 local authorities are reporting private collections. Many local authorities have provided boiling equipment, and seven processing plants are in operation. The Tottenham type of concentrator plant has been officially approved and orders have been placed for a further 30 similar plants for erection in other large centres. In order to encourage local authorities to instal these, a guarantee, subject to certain conditions, has been given against loss on the capital expenditure or the operation of such plants.
§ Mr. PriceWill the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that there is a very large area where nothing has been done at all? Will he see that something is done, in view of the great waste that is going on and the deficiency of feeding-stuffs?
§ Sir A. DuncanYes, Sir.
Mr. De la BèreIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that I do not attribute the delay to his Department but rather to the apathy of the Minister of Agriculture? Will he galvanise the Minister of Agriculture into taking some action?
§ 46. Sir L. Lyleasked the Minister of Supply whether he will consider making it compulsory for local authorities to collect waste-food products from houses, sort, and have it treated on the grounds that animal food is vitally needed at the present time?
§ Sir A. DuncanYes, Sir; this matter is under review at the present time.
§ Sir L. LyleIs my right hon. Friend satisfied with the steps that are at present being taken by local authorities?
§ Sir A. DuncanNo, Sir; I am by no means satisfied, but there is a very big gap between satisfactory voluntary measures and compulsion.
§ Mr. SimmondsWhat action is my right hon. Friend taking with the local authorities which are taking no steps at all in this matter?