An Appeal by the Iron and Steel Controller
Page 15
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THOSE industries which use iron and steel, or the equipment of which involves the use of machinery, have been approached by the Iron and Steel Control with a view to their making available such supplies of iron and steel scraps as are in their possession. There has been a considerable response to this appeal, and that response has been largely helped by the ready co-operation of the technical Press. There is, however, evidence that there is still a large amount of available iron and steel lying in factory yards and sheds and in maintenance departments, which might well be surrendered as scrap in the national interest at the present juncture.
Everybody is aware that it is characteristic of maintenance engineers, and those in charge of repair and maintenance departments of works generally, and who are keen and conscientious, to make it a habit to keep supplies of spares and, indeed, of obsolete parts and machinery, so that on some future occasion when the need arises they should not be found short. There can be no criticism of this attitude. On the other hand, the national need for all the available-iron and steel, either
as discarded machinery and parts or as scrap, is so great to-day that it outweighs even the advantages of providing against the future, so far as individual firms are concerned.
I am, therefore, writing to you in order that, through the medium of your paper, I may appeal to heads of firms to see that as much of this kind of material as possible is given up for the purpose of being converted into iron and-steel for munitions and armaments of all descriptions.
May I suggest to them that even the provision of what may possibly be needed in the future by their own firms should take second place to the urgent national need. We all know that armaments and munitions are required in ever-increasing quantities for the fighting Forces. These cannot be provided in abundance unless a continuous flow of scrap be forthcoming. Therefore I make this further appeal that everyone should join in this drive, even if it involves a little personal sacrifice, H. E. CRAWFURD. 427, Bush House, London, W.C.2.