§ 1. Mr. Stracheyasked the Secretary of State for War to what extent the British Army in Germany is attempting to keep on the road rebuilt three-tonner lorries from the Second World War.
§ The Secretary of State for War (Mr. Christopher Soames)The numbers are diminishing and the last of these vehicles will be withdrawn from British units in Germany before next summer. Some will continue to be used by civilian transport groups until they too can be replaced.
§ Mr. StracheyDoes not the right hon. Gentleman agree that no commercial firm in the world would try to keep three-ton lorries dating back to the last war operational on the roads? Does not this seem to be a false economy? Since the matter was mentioned in the Grigg Report, is it not time to get these lorries off the road in the interests of economy itself?
§ Mr. SoamesI agree with the right hon. Gentleman, and we are getting them off the road. As to their usefulness, we are advised by R.E.M.E. when the lorries are past economic repair.