74. Mr. PALMERasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether he is aware that, during the last few weeks, three hangars on a common known as West Marlands, Southampton West, measuring each about 50 yards by 40 yards, which were erected less than two years ago, have been left without a caretaker, with the result that destruction has been caused by the tearing and ripping away of the canvas which is used by children to make swings within 21 the hangars; that in one hangar dozens of wings of aeroplanes have been broken and thrown about; that men visit the place with barrows and tear linen from the wings which they stuff into sacks; that an immense quantity of iron and steel bolts has been stolen; and that every available piece of wood has been torn down and removed; and if he will state the cost to the State of these hangars, erected as a temporary collecting house for aeroplanes brought over from France, and who is responsible for this failure to protect public property and the consequent waste of public money?
Mr. HOPEThe hangars in question were notified to the Disposal Board by the Air Ministry as surplus early this year, and were sold on the 4th May. The size of the hangars is 66 feet by 79 feet. The responsibility for custody, previous to the date of sale, rested with the Air Ministry, and since that date rests with the purchasers. I have no knowledge of the original cost to the State of the hangars in question.