HC Deb 01 August 1944 vol 402 cc1204-5W
Miss Lloyd George

asked the Minister of Supply whether he can give any information about the present position of the scrap rubber salvage campaign; and whether it is still necessary for local authorities to collect scrap rubber.

Mr. Peat

The quantity of scrap rubber collected under the rubber salvage campaign is considerably in excess of estimates with the result that although reclaimed rubber is used to the fullest practicable extent, there are now large stocks of scrap in hand. These stocks, together with the high grade scrap arising mainly through the Tyre Rationing Scheme, from industry, and direct from Government Departments, are sufficient to cover all requirements for a considerable period ahead. In these circumstances my right hon. Friend has decided to amend the Direction and Orders concerned so that the Local Authorities will no longer be under an obligation to collect scrap rubber. A note of the proposed amendments will be circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT. I should like to emphasise that these arrangements do not imply that there can be any relaxation in economy in the use of rubber and particularly tyres.

The crude rubber situation remains extremely critical, and there is at present great pressure on the manufacture of tyres and of tyre fabric. It is of great importance to ensure careful maintenance of all tyres in operation, and to surrender tyres while still fit for re-treading.

Following is the note: The Direction under Regulation 54B of the Defence (General) Regulations, 1939, will be amended so that the Local Authorities to which such Direction was addressed will no longer be under an obligation to collect and dispose of scrap rubber. To relax control of scrap and reclaimed rubber, the Control of Rubber (No. 18) Order, 1942, which governs all dealings in waste rubber, will shortly be replaced by a new Order. The Salvage of Waste Materials (No. 4) Order, 1942, which makes it an offence to throw away, abandon, or destroy waste rubber, or mix it with refuse, will be revoked.