§ 22. Mr. Manderasked the Home Secretary in which regions the scheme for the immobilisation of motor-cars, by the removal of parts, is in operation; whether he will give consideration to the petition, being organised in the Midlands by motorists, suggesting, as an alternative, an undertaking by owners to take the necessary action themselves; and whether he has considered achieving the desired object by calling in all tyres forthwith from laid up motor-cars?
§ Mr. H. MorrisonPrivate motor cars have been immobilised by the surrender of their vital parts to the police in a coastal belt in the Eastern Region and in the whole of the Northern, South Eastern and Midland Regions. In the Eastern and South Eastern Regions the scheme has been in operation since the autumn of 1940 and August, 1941, respectively. I shall, of course, be prepared to consider the petition referred to by my hon. Friend when received, but as at present advised I do not think that any method of immobilisation would be acceptable which leaves the re-commissioning of the car in the control of the owner. The question of the requisitioning of tyres is under active consideration by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Supply, within whose sphere responsibility for such action would rest.
§ Mr. ManderIs my right hon. Friend aware that the petition referred to has been signed by a large number of people in Wolverhampton and district, and will he give that careful consideration?
§ Mr. MorrisonAnything from Wolverhampton will have my careful consideration.