§ 62. Sir T. Mooreasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings, why much of the salved but worthless timber now stacked in places under his control is not either being distributed free or sold to poorer people in anticipation of fuel shortage during the winter?
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Home Security (Miss Wilkinson)I have been asked to reply. Timber from demolished buildings which is not usable for any purpose other than kindling is available to the public free of charge. Local authorities were empowered as long ago as December, 1940, to make arrangements whereby householders could be enabled to collect such firewood for their personal use. In many areas, however, the public have not taken advantage of the facilities offered, and my right hon. Friend recently suggested to local authorities that where dumps are not being cleared quickly they should consider the distribution of firewood to consumers' doors for a small charge to cover the costs involved.
§ Sir T. MooreWould the hon. Lady take steps to secure publicity for this statement by means of the B.B.C. or some such way? Obviously people do not realise the benefits to which they are entitled.
§ Miss WilkinsonI hope this Question and the answer will give the desired publicity.
§ Mr. G. StraussCould any steps be taken to prevent the distribution of verminous wood to households?
§ Miss WilkinsonWe have already provided for that, so that any salvaged timber seen to be verminous must be burned on the site.