HC Deb 12 June 1940 vol 361 cc1273-4W
Mr. Salt

asked the Minister of Supply what members of the salvage department of the Ministry have scientific or technical qualifications, and whether he will give particulars; and whether, in view of the importance of dealing with the salvage question on a scientific basis, he will consider the desirability of strengthening the salvage staff from this point of view?

Mr. H. Morrison

The staff of the salvage department of the Ministry of Supply, apart from the Controller, who is a chartered accountant with considerable experience in the administration of businesses in various branches of industry and was Deputy Controller of Contracts in the Ministry of Munitions in the 1914 18 war, includes the following:

CIVILIAN BKANCH.
Deputy Controller. Mr. J. C. Dawes, M.I.Mech.E., F.I.P.C, etc. Inspector of Public Cleansing and Salvage, Ministry of Health (seconded).
Assistant Controller. Mr. H. Edridge, M I.P.C. Cleansing and Salvage Officer, Chesterfield Corporation (seconded).
Assistant Controller. Mr. L. N. Holt, A.I.P.C. With special experience in refuse collection, transport and pig feeding.

Two other officers with local government experience have been seconded from the Ministry of Health. Twenty-three honorary district advisers, all of whom have special experience in municipal salvage work and most of whom possess professional degrees, have also been appointed. The appointment of a qualified chemist with special research experience was recently approved.

The salvage Department also consults with the Director of Scientific Research in the Ministry and with the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research.

MILITARY BRANCH.
Deputy Controller. Brigadier R. H. R. Benson. Late Chief Inspector of Armaments, Member of Ordnance Board and Commandant of Military College of Science
Assistant Controller. Lt.-Col. H. S. W. Pennington, C.M.G..D.S.O. Special salvage experience in 1914–18 War.
Deputy Director of Disposals (France). Lt.-Col. T. A. Ross, M.I.E.E. Special salvage experience in 1914–18 War

In making additions to the staff regard is always had to the technical qualifications of the candidates.