asked the Minister of Supply what steps are being taken to have mementoes of previous wars, in the shape of guns, tanks and other metal objects, utilised for smelting purposes; and whether local authorities are being offered any inducements to scrap such objects and place them at his disposal?

The Iron and Steel Control have for some months past been in touch with local authorities on the question of the collection of iron and steel scrap, and a substantial amount of the material to which the hon. Member refers has already been obtained in this way. The present price of scrap should be in itself a sufficient inducement for local authorities to dispose of unwanted material.

Is there no special action taken by local authorities to get rid of these ugly reminders of the incapacity of statesmen to settle things reasonably?

A quarter of a million letters have been addressed to individuals and organisations on the subject of the collection of scrap.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that many of the people responsible for these guns, tanks, and so on, still do not know whether the Ministry require them or not?

I hope my reply implies an affirmative answer.