§ 17. Mr. Shinwellasked the Secretary of State for War the number of tanks and Army vehicles stored in the open between Doncaster and York and for what purpose they are being maintained.
§ Mr. HareAbout 8,000. Over 3,000 of these are being disposed of. The balance are working stocks and Army reserves.
§ Mr. ShinwellIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that most of this junk has been lying there for the last five or six years, and that what is happening is that many of these vehicles have been sent away for repair and brought back to that depot again? Is he also aware that the manpower used in that depot is far in excess of what is required, and that the whole thing is a positive scandal? Why does he not put a stop to it?
§ Mr. HareThe right hon. Gentleman has said it has been there for five or six years. I think that probably it was there even in his time. I can assure him that I am certainly not satisfied with the general position. I am going into all this, and hope to be able to take steps in respect of disposals, and to see that as far as possible no unnecessary stocks are retained.
§ Mr. ChetwyndCan the right hon. Gentleman say how these vehicles are being disposed of and for what purpose? Are they treated as scrap, or are they disposed of for some military purpose?
§ Mr. HareThe Ministry of Supply is responsible for the actual technique of disposal, which is left to its judgment.