§ Sir E. Graham-Littleasked the Minister of Agriculture how many commercial vans and lorries of every type are now in use by the Buckinghamshire A.E.C.; for what purpose they are employed; and why some hundred ex-Army lorries were purchased for carrying prisoners of war to their work when this was adequately done by contractors, as the lorries and their drivers are idle for the best part of a six-day week while the prisoners are at work.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsOne hundred and fifty-five lorries and 115 light vans. These are used for the conveyance of prisoners of war and other gang labour, including members of the Women's Land Army, and for carrying agricultural machinery and material required for the committee's operations. The use of these vehicles costs much less than hiring, and has, therefore, meant a saving to public funds. It has also freed the vehicles previously hired for ordinary commercial use. The committee's drivers who take out prisoners of war or other gang labour either work with the gang as foremen or return to their depot to do other transport work, vehicle maintenance or similar duties.