HC Deb 10 December 1945 vol 417 cc2-3
7. Mr. Touche

asked the Minister of Supply and of Aircraft Production if his attention has been called to the fact that a large number of motor cars are standing in the open and deteriorating at the Ministry of Supply storage depot at Chobham, Surrey; has any estimate been made of the loss incurred through depreciation of these motor cars; and is he satisfied that steps have been taken to eliminate such loss.

Mr. Wilmot

Of the motor cars now in the Ministry of Supply depot at Chobham, only seven are not military type open two-seaters. There is little or no civilian demand for these two-seaters, but we are adapting as fast as possible all that are needed for the training of Army drivers. It is not possible to assess the depreciation of these vehicles through standing in the open but there is no covered storage for them.

Mr. Touche

Have any of these cars recently been moved from this storage depot?

Mr. Wilmot

They are moved away as they are reconditioned, of course.

Lieutenant William Shepherd

How has the Minister ascertained that there is no demand for them?

Mr. Wilmot

The Ministry of Transport have not received any requests for permits to buy them.

Sir Ronald Ross

Will the Minister receive a request, if I make one to him, on behalf of an ex-Service man whose car was requisitioned and who cannot buy another one?

Mr. Wilmot

With the greatest pleasure.

8. Mr. Touche

asked the Minister of Supply and of Aircraft Production why during November there were a large number of practically unused Morris and Buick motor cars parked in the open at the Ministry of Supply storage depot at Great Missenden, Bucks; when he hopes to be able to dispose of all these motor cars; and how many it is estimated are fit for immediate use.

Mr. Wilmot

During the last few weeks five Morris and seven Buick motor cars have been returned to us by the U.S. Army and taken into the depot at Great Missenden. They all need repair and those which the Ministry of War Transport do not require for the use of other Government Departments will be made available for civilian use as soon as the motor industry can recondition them.