§ 11. Mr. Grimstonasked the Secretary of State for Air if he will state with regard to the Crabbe Tree Camp Depôt, near Longleat, Warminster, Wilts, the purposes for which the depot is being used; the amount of material which is being put in and taken out daily; and the amount of civilian labour employed.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Air (Mr. Geoffrey de Freitas)This is an equipment depôt for the receipt and issue of stores such as oil, paint and dopes. At present each day about 30 tons of stores are received and about eight tons issued. One hundred and ninety-four civilians are employed.
§ Mr. GrimstonDoes not this seem a very large number of people for the amount of work that is being done at this depôt? Is the Under-Secretary aware that I have received many complaints of the apparent waste of effort and uneconomical running of this depôt? Is he further aware that it was cleared entirely some time ago, and that apparently a change of policy has caused it to be opened again? Can the hon. Gentleman tell me if it is the intention to make it permanent? Will he look into the whole question?
§ Mr. de FreitasThere are several questions here. The answer to the last two is, "Yes" and "Yes." As to the allegation of waste of manpower, I have no information at all. If the hon. Gentleman will let me have evidence I will certainly investigate it.