THE EARL OF TANKERVILLEasked His Majesty's Government, what proportion of the iron gates and railings compulsorily removed from houses and properly of private individuals has been actually used in the nation's war effort, and what percentage of such individuals has been or will be paid compensation, and at what rates.
§ THE MINISTER OF WORKS (LORD PORTAL)Approximately three-quarters of the iron gates and railings compulsorily removed from houses and other property have been delivered to iron and steel works and the greater part so delivered has already been used for essential purposes. The remainder is in Ministry of Supply dumps or in the hands of merchants for preparation. The scrap is being consumed by the works at a greater rate than it is being collected, and reserve stocks are being diminished. About 3 per cent, only of the owners have claimed compensation. The bulk of the claims have been settled, payment being made at the standard rate of 25s. per ton.