HC Deb 13 October 1942 vol 383 cc1513-5W
Rear-Admiral Beamish

asked the Minister of Supply (1) whether he will, after consultation with the War Department, satisfy himself that tyres that are in condition to be repaired and retreaded after use on military vehicles are not allowed to accumulate undealt with and that every reputable and efficient new tyre and retreading firm is given a fair share of the work;

(2) what is the policy of the Government with regard to retreading worn tyres from commercial and service vehicles; what are the proportions in which such repairs will be allocated to new tyre companies and capable retreading firms, and the number of such companies and firms?

Mr. Peat

My right hon. Friend is satisfied that the instructions issued by the Army Council should ensure that suitable tyres are sent for repair and retreading without delay. Wherever possible, Service and civilian demands for tyres are met by retreaded tyres. There are 88 plants licensed for retreading work, of which n belong to concerns which also manufacture new tyres. Commercial tyres are allocated for retreading on the basis of previous output of commercial size retreads. The retreading of Service tyres is allocated to those retreaders able to deal with the special sizes and types involved.

Rear-Admiral Beamish

asked the Minister of Supply whether he will consider making use of the system which has been amply proved as popular of allowing, at least, suitable large users of tyres to have their own tyres returned to them after retreading and thus retain and encourage the personal interest in long tyre life and conservation of rubber, while retaining his right to requisition if such tyres are stocked unduly?

Mr. Peat

This proposal has been carefully considered and my right hon. Friend is of the opinion that its adoption is undesirable in present circumstances.

Rear-Admiral Beamish

asked the Minister of Supply what steps are to be taken to ensure that giant tyres are removed from commercial vehicles before destruction sets in, in order that their life may be prolonged by successive retreadings; and will he consider more attractive prices for casings and heavy penalties for failure to economise in the national interest?

Mr. Peat

The measures being taken include the appointment of inspectors to supervise the maintenance of the tyres of commercial vehicles and to advise users; propaganda to bring home to users the importance of proper maintenance; and the payment of a reasonable price for tyres surrendered fit for retreading. Further steps art; under consideration in consultation with my Noble Friend the Minister of War Transport, and my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion of making the improper use of tyres subject to penalty will be borne in mind. The values of casings were fixed after consultation with all interests concerned and I have no reason to suppose that operators regard them as inadequate.