HC Deb 10 April 1956 vol 551 c8
11. Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

asked the Secretary of State for War what improved methods of controlling Army stores are being introduced.

Mr. Head

Various steps are being taken in this very complex field, and I cannot outline them all in answer to a Question; but I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the Report by the Comptroller and Auditor General on the Army Appropriation Account for 1954–55.

Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the shocking waste and muddle of which he is guilty could be avoided if only the War Office had a list of all the stuff which is lying about throughout the country? When will the War Office take the elementary precaution of providing itself with such a list?

Mr. Head

If the hon. and gallant Gentleman had read the Report, he would have seen that it states very categorically the immense difficulty of having a comprehensive list of all this war-time surplus equipment. A number of steps have been taken, and a great many will be taken. There has been a diminution in the size of orders, and there is difficulty in anticipating them.

Mr. Turner-Samuels

Will the Minister say whether the War Office employs any personnel for the purpose of checking these items?

Mr. Head

Yes, we do; a great many.