§ 2. Mr. Errollasked the Secretary of State for War how many armoured fighting vehicles were stolen from the British Forces in Palestine from 1st January, 1947, until the evacuation.
§ Mr. ShinwellInformation is not available in the War Office for the whole of the period referred to in the Question. Between June, 1947, and June, 1948, 11 armoured vehicles were stolen from British Forces in Palestine, of which one was later recovered.
§ Mr. ErrollCan the Minister say what types of armoured fighting vehicles these were?
§ Mr. ShinwellNo, I am afraid not without notice.
§ Mr. A. R. W. LowIs the right hon. Gentleman doing anything to find out who stole them, and when he does find out will he take suitable action?
§ Mr. ShinwellWe have some suspicion as to who were responsible for purloining the vehicles.
§ General Sir George Jeffreysis not the right hon. Gentleman aware that very substantial allegations of misconduct have been made against British troops in regard to handing over these vehicles? Has that been inquired into, and has any action been taken about it?
§ Mr. ShinwellSuspicion is one thing, but I would like to have some evidence.