§ 29. Mr. Maclayasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air for what purpose 17 motor lorries, details of which have been given to him, transported furniture from aerodromes in Wigtownshire to the Montrose aerodrome from 5th to 14th March, 1946; why furniture carried on these lorries, although in good condition, was destroyed on arrival at Montrose; and why, at about the same time a number of bicycles arrived at Montrose aerodrome which were broken up or destroyed by fire.
§ The Under-Secretary of State For Air (Mr. Strachey)Service equipment, including furniture and bicycles from various stations which are closing down, is brought to the R.A.F. Station, Montrose, to be stored while awaiting its final disposal by the Ministries of Supply and Works. We have already got into touch with some of the civilian witnesses who may claim to have evidence of equipment being improperly handled at Montrose. We shall thoroughly investigate the allegations made in the hon. Member's Question, and I will communicate with him as soon as we have got to the bottom of the matter.
§ Mr. MaclayWhile thanking the hon. Gentleman for his promise to make investigation into this grave allegation, may I ask if he will agree that, if there is any substance in it, it is a really very shocking affair at a time of acute shortage of furniture and bicycles?
§ Mr. StracheyUndoubtedly, if the facts are as alleged, it would be a most reprehensible affair. The position is that a local investigation has been made which suggests that the facts are not at all as stated. 1238 I was not fully satisfied with that local investigation, and we shall go into it again very thoroughly.