§ Mr. E. Smithasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply whether the production of home-produced ore is being obtained by the utilisation of our total capacity; is the survey of scrap finished; is the supply of scrap satisfactory; is it being utilised by the nearest plants in order to save transport; and is the whole organisation of ore and scrap supply satisfactory?
§ Mr. Harold MacmillanExisting iron ore workings, including workings which have been opened up since the beginning of the war, are producing to capacity, and the rate of output is substantially in excess of the pre-war output. Further workings are being developed. As regards scrap, I assume the hon. Member is referring to the national scrap survey which is being conducted by local authorities. This is not yet complete, but is proceeding as rapidly as available technical staff permits. Large quantities of scrap have been identified by the Survey and much of it has already been removed. The supply of scrap is at present adequate. As a further step towards mobilising all our home resources my Noble Friend is issuing a Direction to all local authorities to conduct a speedy survey of railings and similar material in their areas. Railings which are scheduled as unnecessary will be requisitioned and removed. In disposing of scrap, every effort is made to avoid unnecessary transport, and material is diverted to the nearest plants in accordance with requirements.