§ 5. Mr. Sutcliffeasked the Minister of Supply if he is aware that instructions recently given by his Department have resulted in drastic curtailment in the production of refuse and salvage collection vehicles for the home market; and if he will give higher priority to local authorities for delivery of these vehicles.
§ Mr. G. R. StraussNo, Sir. Arrangements have recently been made to enable many more of these vehicles to be produced this year than would otherwise have been possible. Distribution is left to the industry.
§ Mr. SutcliffeIs the Minister aware that in some cases these vehicles were ordered as long ago as May, 1947, and that they are not due for delivery until next March? Is he further aware that they are required particularly by the small authorities, who operate only one or two vehicles, especially in view of the salvage campaign?
§ Mr. StraussI appreciate that point. We have recently taken steps to increase the number of these vehicles which are being produced.