HC Deb 17 December 1945 vol 417 cc1068-9W
Mr. Dumpleton

asked the Minister of Supply and of Aircraft Production whether he has completed his inquiries regarding the break-up of surplus C.D. and N.F.S. motor vehicles, about which the hon. Member for St. Albans wrote to him on 15th November last; and with what result.

Mr. Wilmot

Surplus Service vehicles unfit for further use on the roads are broken down in Government Depots such as the one to which my hon. Friend refers. Spare parts and components are recovered where the requirements of the manufacturers and repair agents cannot be met from existing stocks held by my Ministry to which they have access. It is our policy to avoid releasing doubtful used spare parts and components through unauthorised channels. The prisoner-of-war labour used on this work is allocated to us by the Ministry of Labour.

Mr. F. Willey

asked the Minister of Supply and of Aircraft Production if he is aware that at Wellington Quay disposal depot, Newcastle, usable spare parts of dismantled motor vehicles are being broken up and offers for their purchase are being refused; and in view of the shortage of such parts will he make provision for these spare parts to be put to profitable use.

Mr. Wilmot

I am aware that spare parts from dismantled vehicles are being broken down at the Wellington Quay Disposal Depot, Newcastle. As explained in the reply given to my hon. Friend on 9th November, vehicles unsuitable for further use on the roads on account of their age and condition are broken down as part of the comprehensive plan for the orderly disposal of surplus Government vehicles. Used spare parts and components are recovered in those cases where the requirements of the manufacturers and repair agents cannot be met from existing stocks of new and used spares and components held by the Ministry of Supply. Both manufacturers and repair agents have access to these stocks for the vehicles which they are making available to the public. It is the policy of the Government not to release doubtful used spares and components through unauthorised channels.