§ 33. Mr. J. Langford-Holtasked the Minister of Supply how many motor vehicles have been purchased by his Department in the years 1946, 1947 and 1948, respectively.
§ The Minister of Supply (Mr. G. R. Strauss)A total of 13,138, 6,787 and 5,134 vehicles were bought for all Government Departments by my Ministry in 1946, 1947 and 1948, respectively.
§ Mr. Langford-HoltThe right hon. Gentleman told me last week that these vehicles cost £27 million. In those circumstances, and in view of the very large sum involved, would he consider issuing a fuller statement of the type of vehicles which are purchased, saying how long they remain in service and what price is paid for each?
§ Mr. StraussIf the hon. Gentleman will put down a Question I can break down these figures easily. I am afraid I cannot give the price, but I can give the type. Most of them go to the Services.
§ Mr. Langford-HoltCould the right hon. Gentleman say whether that includes the Service Departments?
§ Mr. StraussYes, Sir.
§ Mr. GammansAre any vehicles bought for Government Departments except through the right hon. Gentleman's Ministry? Are they all bought through his Ministry?
§ Mr. StraussPractically all, with hardly any exception.
§ Mr. BaldwinIs the Minister aware that this abnormal demand on the limited supply of vehicles available in this country means that food distributors have to wait for over three years for vans to carry on their business?
§ Mr. StraussNo, Sir.