HC Deb 06 August 1947 vol 441 cc1470-1
76. Mr. Osborne

asked the Minister of Works if he is aware that large quantities of beds, blankets, tables and chairs are stored on aerodromes throughout the country; and why they are not being released for civilian use where they are urgently required, as indicated by the correspondence sent to him.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works (Mr. Durbin)

I have nothing to add to the answer given to the hon. Member on 4th August.

Mr. Osborne

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that only on Monday I went to this aerodrome in Lincolnshire where thousands of beds and tables were left out unguarded to rot? These things are required by the general public, and will not the hon. Gentleman make an appeal?

Mr. Durbin

The hon. Member has already had an answer to that question on a previous occasion.

Mr. Osborne

It was unsatisfactory.

Mr. York

Will the hon. Gentleman at least take steps to see that these goods are not wantonly broken up?

Mr. Durbin

Again the answer to that supplementary question, was contained in the answer to the original Question.

Major Legge-Burke

Will the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that so long as these stores are left unguarded, they are a perpetual temptation to those people who are short of such things? Is he further aware that from time to time cases are heard in the courts of people who have pilfered such stores, and will he take early action to avoid temptations of this kind being put before the people?

Mr. Durbin

The answer is that we are looking into the question.

Mr. Osborne

In view of the most unsatisfactory nature of the answer, I beg to give notice that I will raise the matter again.