§ 26. Mr. Cooperasked the Minister of Supply, how many motor disposal parks there are under his Department; who is responsible at these parks for seeing that the vehicles are looked after to prevent unnecessary deterioration; and how many vehicles at the Dorchester-on-Thames motor park were found with cracked cylinder blocks, due to exposure during the winter, through failure to drain the radiators and water jackets.
§ Mr. WilmotSix sites are at present used for the storage of vehicles. Standing instructions provide for the emptying of the cooling systems on arrival and vehicles are sold as quickly as possible to prevent deterioration, but owing to the shortage of labour and the number of vehicles involved, we cannot carry out repair and maintenance work on the sites. It is not possible to say whether any vehicles at Dorchester-on-Thames had cracked cylinders due to exposure, but the number of complaints received from all sources has been negligible.
§ Mr. CooperIn cases which come to my right hon. Friend's attention, can he give an assurance that if there is neglect damages will be recovered from the contractors concerned, or that disciplinary action will be taken if any member of his staff is concerned?
§ Mr. WilmotI should have to look into a particular case.
§ Mr. ScollanHow does my right hon. Friend expect any complaints to come to him about these motor cars and their condition if nobody is allowed to see them?