asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply whether, as the Corporation of the City of London is collecting iron and steel debris in their area, he will suggest to all other local authorities that they should adopt the same policy?

As I explained to my hon. Friend on 2nd October, the responsibility for the clearance of iron and steel debris rests with the Ministry of Works and Buildings, in conjunction with the Ministry of Home Security and the local authorities. Local authorities who are able and willing to do so assist with the work at the request of the Ministry of Works and Buildings.

In view of this somewhat odd reply, could not my Question have been passed to the Ministers responsible for this matter to answer?