63. Colonel Arthur Evansasked the Minister of Supply what steps are being taken to utilise the waste rubber salvaged in the United Kingdom; whether arrangements are in being to relieve local authorities and local dealers of their collection of waste rubber at reasonable periods; whether he has under consideration any scheme for putting back into manufacture the stocks of salvaged rubber waste which have accumulated throughout the country; whether he is satisfied that the reclaiming industry is, at present, capable of satisfying the requirements of rubber manufacturers for reclaim, which is one of their chief raw materials; and whether he has any plans to expand this industry in the immediate future?
§ Mr. Harold MacmillanA considerable quantity of waste rubber is utilised by the rubber reclaiming industry for regeneration. The Salvage Department of the Ministry of Supply has, since its inception, assisted local authorities and dealers in the disposal of their material to reclaimers and other rubber manufacturers and has notified them of any special demand or outlet for waste rubber. The capacity of the reclaiming industry is ordinarily sufficient for the needs of United Kingdom manufacturers, but, in present circumstances, its extension is being considered. This is not likely to utilise the whole of the waste rubber, and other uses are, therefore, being developed.