HC Deb 31 July 1940 vol 363 cc1249-50W
Mr. T. Smith

asked the Minister of Supply whether he is satisfied that there is no bottle-neck in the supplies of scrap metal reaching the steelworks and foundries; and also, that it is in the public interest that steelworks supplies should reach them only through the National Federation of Scrap Iron and Steel Merchants, and that officials of this federation should hold important positions at the Ministry?

Mr. H. Morrison

I would refer my hon. Friend to the statement issued by me to the Press on 25th July, a copy of which I am sending to him. I am satisfied that there is no bottle-neck in the flow of scrap metal to consumers, apart from that created by labour and transport difficulties, and that it is in the public interest that there should be a responsible organisation of employers within the scrap industry, particularly in connection with the solution of the labour problem. Moreover a policy of letting everybody do as they like in moving and allocating scrap would be contrary to the public interest. It is necessary in dealing with these highly technical matters to employ experts from the industries concerned in the various Controls, but these temporary officials sever any active connection with their businesses while serving with the Controls. I may add that I am continuing to keep a close watch on the whole scrap position.

Colonel Carver

asked the Minister of Supply whether he will consider the removal of lamp-posts all over the country which are not now needed and which would supply thousands of tons of iron for munition purposes, or for barricades?

Mr. Harold Macmillan

My right hon. Friend has already asked local authorities to take steps to remove lamp-posts no longer required even for the modified form of street lighting recently introduced, the extended use of which my right hon. Friend the Minister of Home Security is anxious to encourage. I understand that the use of surrendered lamp-posts for defence purposes is under consideration by the appropriate authorities, with whom close touch is being maintained.