§ 16 and 17. Rear-Admiral Beamishasked the Secretary of State for War (1) if he will make inquiries into the inefficient state of much of the civilian transport now hired out to military units; and if he is aware that a considerable proportion of the vehicles were delivered out of order and will not now function at all and consequently are standing useless in military motor-car parks;
(2) what is the lowest daily rate paid for the cheapest four-wheeled motor vehicle now hired out from civilian sources to military units; what is the highest daily rate of hire; and if hire is paid for vehicles of which it is reported that no available military effort can operate them?
§ The Secretary of State for War (Mr. Oliver Stanley)I am aware that in one district, some weeks ago, a number of vehicles were offered for hire and delivered to the appointed places for inspection. The acceptance of vehicles for hire is subject to inspection as to fitness, and in this district a number of vehicles were found to be unsuitable and were rejected. The contractors offering the vehicles were notified accordingly, and the removal of the rejected vehicles is their responsibility. I could not say as to the lowest and highest rates paid for accepted vehicles without calling for a detailed analysis of hirings in all Commands.
§ Rear-Admiral BeamishIs my right hon. Friend aware that in many instances it is thought that acceptance was forced and cannot my right hon. Friend do something further to improve the situation?
§ Mr. StanleyI cannot accept that statement. These hired vehicles are only accepted subject to inspection, and if they are found to be inefficient they are rejected.
§ Mr. G. GriffithsIs it the practice of private enterprise to foist this kind of stuff on to the War Ministry?