65. Mr. De la Bèreasked the Secretary of State for War whether, in connection with the collection of old shells for salvage, he will take the necessary steps to ensure that a competent military officer is available to certify that the shells are safe, in view of the fact that unless this is done the factories refuse to receive them, resulting in a substantial loss of salvage for the war effort?
§ Mr. SandysSalvaged shell cases are sent to Ministry of Supply centres only, and I have not heard that these have ever 946 refused a consignment. It is already laid down that the commanding officers of units shall certify that consignments are free from explosives before they send them to these centres.
Mr. De la BèreIs the hon. Gentleman aware that cases have taken place in my own division? Has he not received a letter from me on the subject, and will he be kind enough to get one of his staff to get on the telephone and to see that no further delay takes place?
§ Mr. SandysThe trouble is not getting officers to certify but that sometimes they certify wrongly. Mistakes are bound to occur sometimes.