§ 46. Flight-Lieutenant Haireasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that on terminating their occupation of military sites in this country American units, in some instances, have destroyed and burned their valuable equipment; and whether he will take steps to secure such of this equipment as may be serviceable for use in this country.
§ Mr. WilmotI have been asked to reply. I was not aware of any such destruction and I am informed that a direct order was issued to United States troops prohibiting the destruction of property, personal or otherwise. The disposal in this country of United States military stores is under constant review in consultation with the United States authorities.
§ Flight-Lieutenant HaireIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that when certain huts were being removed they were destroyed and some burned, and that, in some cases, furniture which was in the huts was also destroyed; and will the right hon. Gentleman take steps, if I bring these matters to his attention, to acquire such property for civilian use in this country?
§ Mr. WilmotCertainly, Sir. If the hon. Gentleman will send me particulars of the matters to which he refers, I will have the information conveyed to the proper quarter.
§ Mr. StokesMay I ask my right hon Friend whether the answer that he gave about the instructions against the destruction of property apply equally to fixed or semi-fixed fixtures in American camps?
§ Mr. WilmotI understand that that was so.