HC Deb 25 February 1942 vol 378 cc199-200
44. Mr. Parker

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport why certain sections of Lombard Street, E.C., are now being relaid with rubber blocks in view of the rubber shortage?

Mr. Noel-Baker

The blocks being used are either removed from the previous road surface or drawn from existing stocks. The percentage of rubber is small and is not worth recovering for other use.

Mr. Parker

Surely, if there are stocks of these rubber blocks, they could be used for making aeroplane runways or for other purposes connected with the national effort?

Mr. Noel-Baker

I am informed that the percentage of rubber in the blocks is very small and that the cost of recovering it would not justify the effort.