§ 20. Mr. Goughasked the Secretary of State for War how many lorries and how many civilian drivers are on the establishment of a bomb disposal unit, Royal Engineers, Broadbridge Heath; and how many jobs per week these lorries have had over the past six weeks.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for War (Mr. Julian Amery)Forty-three vehicles; 43 civilian drivers; an average of 200 jobs a week.
§ Mr. GoughWill my hon. Friend be surprised if I tell him that there is a feeling in the neighbourhood that practically no work of that nature has been carried out over the past six years? Will he receive from me a letter on the subject, because I cannot understand the information which he has given to me?
§ 22. Mr. Goughasked the Secretary of State for War what system exists at Headquarters, Bomb Disposal Unit, Royal Engineers, Broadbridge Heath, for checking the use of petrol; and to what extent that unit is empowered to lend out its equipment for use on neighbouring farms.
§ Mr. J. AmeryThe normal Army procedure for checking the use of petrol applies. This unit has no power to lend equipment except when giving assistance to non-profit making concerns or civil authorities in accordance with clearly laid down rules.
§ Mr. GoughDoes my hon. Friend appreciate, in view of these three Questions, that there is a good deal of local 219 concern about this unit and a great deal of feeling that the unit is extremely expensive and not performing its functions? Will he go more carefully into the matter?
§ Mr. AmeryI will await my hon. Friend's communication on this matter. Meanwhile, I cannot be regarded as confirming what he has just said.