§ 15. Mr. Henderson Stewartasked the Secretary of State for War how many motor-cars are now surplus to Army requirements; and what is the reason for the delay in handing these over to the Ministry of War Transport for disposal to the public.
§ Mr. LawsonThe Army has no motor cars in excess of its present requirements. The requirements for the more immediate future are now being worked out, but it is unlikely that many will become surplus. There is, of course, a steady outlet of cars which have completed their useful life in the Army and are uneconomical to retain. These are regularly reported for disposal to the Ministry of Supply and Aircraft Production, which is the responsible Department.
§ Mr. Henderson StewartIn view of the extraordinary statement in the early part of the reply, can the right hon. Gentleman explain who owns the thousands of cars in the many car parks, pictures of which we have seen in the Press day after day for many weeks? Is it not the War Office?
§ Mr. LawsonI want to make it quite clear—I do not know whether it is necessary to do so—that this Question relates to motor cars, not motor vehicles. As far as vehicles are concerned, they have become surplus in large numbers and are being handed over to the Ministry of Supply and Aircraft Production as quickly as they can accept them.
§ Mr. Manningham-BullerCan the right hon. Gentleman state the number of motor cars now held by the Army?
§ Mr. LawsonI would like to see that Question on the Paper.
§ Mr. Manningham-BullerIf the right hon. Gentleman knows the number of cars which are not surplus to Army requirements, he must know what the number is.
§ Mr. LawsonAs a matter of fact, I do not know the number. Therefore, I would like to see the Question on the Paper.
§ Sir T. MooreIs it the policy of the Army authorities to mechanise the Army to such an extent that every individual member of the post-war Army will have a motor car of his own?