HC Deb 17 July 1940 vol 363 cc230-2W
Mr. Sorensen

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Aircraft Production whether he will arrange for financial compensation to poor people who may desire to offer aluminium domestic articles but who could not afford to replace them with articles of other metal; and whether he will requisition all aluminium articles now in wholesale stores or retail shops, and thus avoid the anomaly of such articles being purchased to replace similar articles?

Major Braithwaite

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Aircraft Production whether he will consider collecting all the aluminium number-plates on motor-cars, and also all aluminium cooking utensils, and substituting for them, respectively, number-plates and utensils of a less important metal?

Colonel Llewellin

The appeal for aluminium utensils was made in the belief that many members of the public would be glad voluntarily to surrender articles not essential for ordinary domestic purposes, but those who cannot afford replacements in other metals should confine their gifts to such articles as they can spare. The particular variety of aluminium normally used in the number-plates of motor-cars is not suitable for use in aircraft manufacture. As I said in reply to a Question yesterday, my Noble Friend will, if necessary, requisition stocks of aluminium goods in wholesale and retail stores.