§ Mr. Oliver Lyttelton(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has any statement to make regarding the fire at No. 13 Command Workshops, R.E.M.E., at Aldershot, which occurred last Saturday night.
§ The Secretary of State for War (Mr. Strachey)This fire occurred on the night of 4th November. The workshops consist of a building of five bays. One of these was completely destroyed and two were seriously damaged. About 75 "B" vehicles which were under repair were destroyed, together with a number of spare parts and workshop equipment. No tanks or other fighting vehicles were damaged or destroyed. Investigations by the Special Investigation Branch of the Military Police and by the civil police were at once put in hand. A court of inquiry will be convened. As soon as its report has been considered I shall make a full statement to the House.
§ Colonel Stoddart-ScottCan the Minister give some indication of the value of the buildings and material which have been destroyed by this fire?
§ Mr. StracheyI think it would be premature to pronounce on that now.