HC Deb 02 April 1957 vol 568 cc224-5
29. Mr. Shinwell

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has yet disposed of the 8,000 tanks and other vehicles situated between Doncaster and Selby.

Mr. John Hare

Since the right hon. Gentleman asked a similar Question about this depot on 12th February, 600 wheeled vehicles have been disposed of and the sale of 400 more is beginning this month. One thousand eight hundred tanks and other fighting vehicles are in the process of being sold or prepared for sale.

Mr. Shinwell

Can the Minister say whether the same maintenance staff is being retained there?

Mr. Hare

I will certainly look into that point. This ordnance depot was started by the right hon. Gentleman in 1948 or 1949. We cannot hope to close it in the immediate future, but we are running down large quantities of vehicles in the immediate future.

Mr. Osborne

Can my right hon. Friend say what price he got for the vehicles being sold, and how much has been lost on them, compared with what they cost?

Mr. Hare

Without notice I cannot do that. If my hon. Friend will write to me I will try to obtain the information for him.

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