HC Deb 19 February 1957 vol 565 c188
13. Mr. Shinwell

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, before any further purchases of stores are made by his Department, he will take steps to ensure that requirements are not available in depots at home and overseas.

Mr. Hare

This is already done.

Mr. Shinwell

Does that mean that the right hon. Gentleman has now taken an inventory of all the stores and stocks in the possession of the War Office, because unless he has done so, how does he know what he has?

Mr. Hare

As the right hon. Gentleman knows, stocks at central depots are taken into account. Command depots at home and abroad review their stocks frequently and report surpluses to the central depot.