§ Mr. F. Willeyasked the Minister of Supply and of Aircraft Production if he is aware that at the Willington Quay disposal depot motor vehicles are being broken up, notwithstanding that in many cases they are in good condition and that offers to purchase some of these vehicles have been refused; and if he will take steps to stop this.
§ Mr. WoodburnI am aware that motor vehicles are broken down at the Wellington Quay disposal depot, Newcastle. The depot was set up for this purpose and was first operated by the Ministry of Works and Buildings but was recently transferred to my control. All vehicles declared surplus are examined by technical experts and those which are found to be unsuitabe for further use on the roads on account of their age and condition are sentenced to be broken down for produce.
The operation of the depot is part of the comprehensive plan for the orderly and proper disposal of surplus vehicles. Under these arrangements steps are taken to break down dangerous or otherwise unserviceable vehicles and thus prevent them from being put on the roads. Only 2515W vehicles in a satisfactory condition safe for both users and the public are being made available to peacetime users.