§ Mr. DUCKWORTHasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air the reasons for the decision of the Air Ministry to close the mechanical transport repair depot at Harlescott, Shrewsbury?
§ Sir P. SASSOONThe decision was taken as a measure of economy. It involves the transfer of part of the repair work on Royal Air Force mechanical transport to the Home Aircraft Depot at Henlow and putting the remainder out to contract.
§ Mr. DUCKWORTHasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air the average annual cost of the mechanical transport repair depot establishment at Harlescott, Shrewsbury; the original cost of the land and buildings; and the estimated sale value of the same.
§ Sir P. SASSOONThe answer to the first part of the question is approximately £73,500. As regards the second part, the depot was built during the war at a cost of approximately £450,000 and subsequent capital expenditure amounted to approximately £100,000, including the cost of purchase of the site. As regards the last part of the question, my Noble Friend would prefer not to disclose this information in order not to prejudice any negotiations which may be undertaken in this connection.