HC Deb 14 December 1948 vol 459 cc999-1000
22. Mr. Keeling

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the total amount of the losses from theft of stores in transit from Italy, Palestine, Burma, India and Pakistan to warehouses in the United Kingdom since 1st January, 1947.

Mr. Shinwell

No losses of stores in transit since 1st January, 1947, from the countries mentioned in the Question have been reported which require to be written off under Treasury or Army Council authority. Some cases, however, which require such authority, may not yet have been submitted to the War Office. Information is not yet available centrally about any losses in transit written off by overseas commands under local powers.

Mr. Keeling

Can the Secretary of State explain how it is that a fortnight ago the Under-Secretary was able to state that the losses amounted to one-sixth of one per cent., if the figures are not available?

Mr. Shinwell

Some figures are available, but not all the figures for which the hon. Gentleman has asked.