HC Deb 24 February 1947 vol 433 cc1678-9
31. Mr. W. Shepherd

asked the Minister of Supply how many motor vehicles and motor cycles, surplus to requirements in the British zone in Germany, have now been disposed of; and how many remain in dumps in that area.

The Minister of Supply (Mr. John Wilmot)

Out of about 92,000 surplus vehicles, including some 16,000 motor cycles, 45,000 have been handed over to the Control Commission, who, acting as our agents, have so far disposed of about 17,000 vehicles, including 3,200 motor cycles. A large proportion of the remaining 47,000 still in Army dumps are fit only for scrap.

Mr. Shepherd

Is it not a fact that they are now useful only as scrap because they have remained there for so long and have deteriorated?

Air-Commodore Harvey

How many of these vehicles are serviceable and could be of use?

Mr. Wilmot

I cannot say without having them examined, and they have not all been examined.