§ 42. Mr. HOHLERasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether the damaged lorries landed at Richborough are towed from that place to Slough or to what other place; what is the distance and what is the average cost of towing a damaged lorry between those places, including the return journey of the towing lorry; and will he give the number of damaged lorries so towed from the 1st of August to the 1st of November last?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYDamaged lorries landed at Richborough are towed to Slough, a distance of 120 miles. It is estimated that the average inclusive cost of towing between these two places is £15 per vehicle. During the period between 1st August and 1st November the number of lorries so dealt with was 3,200.
§ Mr. HOHLERIs it a reasonable and businesslike proceeding to tow these lorries 120 miles and make no preparation for their repair on the spot?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYThe towing was an emergency measure. There are no facilities at Richborough for repairing anything like this number of lorries.
§ Mr. HOHLERIs my hon. Friend aware that there are no end of buildings at Richborough, and that all that is required is machinery, and how long is this towing going on?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYYes; all that is required is machinery, and it is an exceedingly difficult business getting machinery.
§ Mr. KELLAWAYThe answer is that they are being taken by road.