HC Deb 08 July 1942 vol 381 c755
23. Sir Waldron Smithers

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Planning why all the lampposts in the country are not requisitioned for scrap-metal?

The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Planning (Mr. Hicks)

The removal of lamp-posts involves the use of skilled labour in cutting off gas and electricity supplies and in making good. At present, therefore, it would seem advisable to concentrate on the collection of other and more easily removable material.

Sir W. Smithers

Does not my hon. Friend realise that total war demands total sacrifice, and that nothing should be allowed to stand in the way of getting this metal?

Mr. Hicks

I can assure the hon. Member that they are on the list and have been duly noted, and that they will be collected as and when they are required.

Mr. Austin Hopkinson

Will the Parliamentary Secretary give an assurance that a sufficient number of lamp-posts will be left in the neighbourhood of Whitehall for the specific purposes which may arise after the war?