§ 22. Mr. Errollasked the Secretary of State for War whether the central census of A and B vehicles is still maintained at Chilwell; and how overseas units report changes in their vehicle strength.
§ Mr. ShinwellThe central census of A and B vehicles is still maintained at Chilwell. It records distribution of vehicles by units in the United Kingdom, and by theatres outside the United Kingdom. Overseas units report changes in their vehicle strength to their theatre census, and the theatre census renders a quarterly return of changes in overall theatre strength to Chilwell.
§ Mr. ErrollAs these units make their vehicle changes to the theatre census, why is the Minister still unable to reveal the vehicle losses of units in Palestine which must be known to the theatre census concerned?
§ Mr. ShinwellThe reason, which I should have thought is obvious, is that that would entail inquiries into every incident, and that, of course, is a very big job.
§ Colonel Gomme-DuncanIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that during the British battles in the last war, and the previous war, those figures were known from every unit of the fighting Forces, and why is it not possible to do it in Palestine, in spite of the difficult situation?
§ Mr. ShinwellSubsequently all the facts are ascertained, but it is not easy to ascertain facts in the middle of operations.
§ Colonel Gomme-DuncanIt used to be.