§ 58. Mr. Parkerasked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware of the difficulty in obtaining adequate insurance for stocks of scrap rubber, or machinery in close proximity to these stocks, as a result of which the scrap rubber salvage scheme is likely to be seriously hampered; and what steps he is taking to prevent this?
§ Sir A. DuncanI am not aware of any general difficulty of this kind. Arrangements have been made for periodical removals from waste rubber merchants, so as to keep stocks from becoming unduly large; and reclaimers need not hold stocks in excess of their normal requirements.
§ 59. Mr. Parkerasked the Minister of Supply what steps he proposes to take to ensure that local authorities follow the lead of the Birmingham Corporation, who are conducting a vigorous rubber salvage campaign; and whether he will press upon other local authorities throughout the country the urgent need to collaborate with those responsible for the rubber salvage scheme so that effective results may be achieved?
§ Sir A. DuncanThe importance of rubber salvage has recently been impressed on local authorities. I feel sure that they will collaborate fully with all concerned in the effort to collect all available scrap rubber, though the precise methods adopted will vary with local circumstances. A national publicity campaign 671 on the subject has just been launched through the Ministry of Information.
§ Sir P. HannonWould my right hon. Friend ask local authorities to follow the example of Birmingham in every other matter as well?