§ Flight-Lieutenant Haireasked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that the road transport available to British authorities in Central and South-East Europe is totally inadequate, he will consider improving the position.
§ Mr. LawsonThere are admittedly shortages of road transport available to the British authorities in the areas specified and steps have been and are being taken to improve the position. It must, however, be noted that the first essential is to keep the Forces of occupation fully mobile and this limits the amount of road transport that can be transferred from these Forces to the Control Commissions who, I presume, are the authorities referred to by my hon. and gallant Friend. The quantity of transport available for shipment from this country is also limited having regard to the demands on available supplies, and I cannot hold out hope of meeting all requirements in the near future.