HC Deb 29 June 1920 vol 131 cc262-3W
Viscount WOLMER

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether there are quantities of war stores lying in the open rotting at Didcot; and, if so, what action he proposes to take in the matter?

Sir A. WILLIAMSON

I have been asked to reply, as the establishment at Didcot is a permanent Army Ordnance Depôt. There are some stores (including vehicles) in the open at this depôt, some of which have been reported for disposal, but I am informed that there is no evidence to warrant the suggestion that the stores are rotting. Care is taken to select articles least liable to deterioration for storage in the open, and they are carefully examined from time to time. The provision of cover in these cases would not be practicable, but as the surplus stores are disposed of, it is hoped that cover will become available for all stores permanently to be retained.