asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply approximately how many heavy motor vehicles, both load and passenger carrying, have been found redundant or unnecessary; what steps have been taken to give the original owners the opportunity of repurchase; and what machinery has been utilised to correlate the figures at which such vehicles were originally impressed or acquired in order to arrive at sales prices which are fail according to all relevant considerations at the time of becoming surplus to requirements?

No heavy vehicles, either load or passenger carrying, have been found to be redundant. The War Office have, however, released a number of impressed vehicles to alleviate the position of civil transport. These have been dealt with as explained in my answer to the hon. and gallant Member on 8th October. No arrangements have been made to offer vehicles to original owners, except in the case of public service passenger carrying vehicles where, should any become available, negotiations will take place to give the original owners an opportunity to re-purchase. Very few of this type will be released.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply whether he will state the details of the controlled conditions under which 800 motor vehicles have been disposed of by agreement in August last between his Department and the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, Limited; and how the number was apportioned to members of this company?

It would be impracticable to give in an oral answer the information asked for. I have, therefore, sent to my hon. and gallant Friend a copy of the form of contract between the Minister of Supply and the vehicle manufacturer as agreed with the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. Under the scheme, the vehicles are allocated to their respective original manufacturers. Up to 3rd October, the number of vehicles so allocated had increased from 800 to 1,325, and I am sending my hon. and gallant Friend a list showing the number of vehicles allocated to each manufacturer.

If there is submitted to the Minister particulars from Members of this House in which it appears that this contract has been flouted, will he personally look into the allegations made and see if they are warranted in fact?

Of course, I shall be ready to look into any allegations.

Is my hon. Friend not satisfied that this Departmental action will do much to prevent the scandal of the speculation in Army vehicles such as occurred after the last war?

Yes, that is why we adopted it.