HC Deb 21 May 1942 vol 380 cc359-60
57. Sir Waldron Smithers

asked the Minister of Supply whether he will issue to those persons who hand in their tyres in response to the request made by his Ministry some form of receipt which will enable them to have priority in purchasing other tyres at a later date?

Mr. Peat

I am afraid this would not be practicable. I am grateful for the contribution to the national effort made by those who hand in their tyres for further use; but priority in the purchase of tyres at a later date will no doubt have to depend upon the degree of essentiality of the transport, and I cannot mortgage the future.

Sir W. Smithers

Does not the hon. Gentleman think that those who have voluntarily given up their tyres to the national effort should have some amount of preference when the war is over? Further, can he tell the House when it is proposed to introduce the compulsory taking-up of tyres?

Mr. Peat

It is extremely difficult to give any preference to those who voluntarily give up their tyres, because any promise we might make in that direction might be very hard to fulfil in the future. With regard to the steps which my right hon. Friend may be taking to requisition tyres on laid-up cars, I cannot make a statement on that matter at the moment.