§ 71. Mrs. Middletonasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what is the tonnage of scrap existing at Devonport dockyard; by how much this has increased during the course of 1947; and what steps are being taken to reduce the present heavy accumulations of scrap in the interests of national economy and so reduce the temptation to petty pilfering.
§ Mr. W. EdwardsThe present holdings of scrap at Devonport dockyard are ferrous 260 tons and non-ferrous 120 tons. These quantities compare with 1,323 tons ferrous and 213 tons non-ferrous held at 1st January, 1947. Advance estimates of quantities of scrap expected to become available are given periodically to the Ministry of Supply to facilitate prompt disposal, and no undue delays occur in removal except when contractors have difficulty in arranging adequate transport. Eight thousand two hundred and six tons of ferrous scrap and 716 tons of nonferrous scrap were disposed of during 1947.