§ 25. Mr. Kenneth Lindsayasked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the difficulty of obtaining vans and labour for removing and storing furniture from bombed houses, he will consult the Secretary of State for War in order to release Army lorries for this pupose?
§ Lieut.-Colonel Moore-BrabazonIf it is not possible to obtain civilian transport for this purpose with the assistance of the Regional Transport Commissioner concerned, I might be able to arrange for the use of Army lorries if they are not needed for more urgent work, but civilian labour would have to be employed. If 1966 my hon. Friend will give me particulars of any case of difficulty he has in mind, I will see what can be done.
§ Mr. A. Bevanis the Minister aware that there is wholesale profiteering in furniture removing and a vast difference between the prices charged in London and the provinces? Will he find out why?
§ Lieut.-Colonel Moore-BrabazonI rave an answer a week or two ago saying that we are chasing up these profiteers. In two cases we got some money back. We are doing what we can.
§ Mr. LindsayIs the Minister aware—I can give him the particulars—that in one London borough there were 200 cases of removal, that people were charged £6 for lorries to take away their furniture, and that this was all the capital many of these people had?
§ Lieut.-Colonel Moore-BrabazonI was not aware of that.
§ Mr. ThurtleWould the Minister circularise London boroughs telling them that he is prepared, if necessary, to try and find Army lorries for this purpose?
§ Lieut.-Colonel Moore-BrabazonI will see that they get this information.