asked the Minister of Supply whether, in view of the present position, it is necessary to continue the demolition of railings and carry on the other special drives for scrap?

Yes, Sir. The weekly tonnages required for maintaining the output of steel are very large, and it is only by the most intensive collection by the Ministry of Works and Buildings of all the available material for scrap that this production can be maintained.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he can give any information as to the steps he is taking to increase the production of home-produced phosphatic manures?

The production of ground basic slag has been substantially increased during the war, and it is proposed to instal additional grinding plant to treat the total quantity of suitable slag available. Steps have been taken in collaboration with the Ministry of Food to secure the maximum collection of bones, which are used for fertilizers and feeding-stuffs. In addition, the practicability in present conditions of working certain low grade phosphate deposits in the country is under investigation.

Are steps being taken to work the natural deposits of phosphates in this country?

Yes, Sir; we are considering that, and we are on the point of coming to a decision. In fact the day before yesterday we had a meeting with Professor Hawkins, of Reading University, and I hope to be able to announce what the decision is in the course of a few days.

asked the Minister of Supply why the Mid-Sussex Lumber Company has been permitted to establish itself on productive land at a place of which he has been notified; what are the names of the directors; and whether any, or all, of the long-established timber firms within a few miles have been given the opportunity of buying and processing the raw material concerned?

I am informed that the Directors of the Company referred to are Mr. A. L. Rye and Mr. A. F. Chapman. I assume my hon. and gallant Friend is referring to the site for the sawmill. No permission from the Ministry of Supply is required for the acquisition or use of this land, which was presumably acquired under private agreement with any necessary permission from the local or other authority. As regards the last part of the Question, the standing timber in question was privately owned and I am not aware whether other merchants negotiated for its purchase. If any established firm should find it difficult to obtain supplies, the Home Timber Production Department would be glad to give it all possible assistance in finding them.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he will issue to those persons who hand in their tyres in response to the request made by his Ministry some form of receipt which will enable them to have priority in purchasing other tyres at a later date?

I am afraid this would not be practicable. I am grateful for the contribution to the national effort made by those who hand in their tyres for further use; but priority in the purchase of tyres at a later date will no doubt have to depend upon the degree of essentiality of the transport, and I cannot mortgage the future.

Does not the hon. Gentleman think that those who have voluntarily given up their tyres to the national effort should have some amount of preference when the war is over? Further, can he tell the House when it is proposed to introduce the compulsory taking-up of tyres?

It is extremely difficult to give any preference to those who voluntarily give up their tyres, because any promise we might make in that direction might be very hard to fulfil in the future. With regard to the steps which my right hon. Friend may be taking to requisition tyres on laid-up cars, I cannot make a statement on that matter at the moment.