Mr. De la Bèreasked the Minister of Supply what steps the Government are taking to safeguard the substantial amount of Crown property which is lying at or near Honeybourne, near Evesham, Worcestershire, in view of the numerous losses which occurred during 1946–47; and whether, as much of this is urgently needed by the public, steps will be taken to sell and distribute it without further delay.
§ Mr. J. FreemanSecurity arrangements at this depot are the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War who informs me that it is very difficult to guard as it covers 345 acres and the perimeter fence is 4½ miles long. The guard consists of 48 soldiers and 5 night watchmen. We are already disposing of the stores, most of which are medical supplies and instruments. More than half of them have already been transferred to the Ministry of Health or sold to universities and research institutes and we hope to clear the depot completely early in 1948.