Mr. McKie:

asked the Minister of Supply why a private contractor has been authorised to remove stores from his Department's factory at Dalbeattie, Scotland, without supervision, checking of stores, or in the presence of a representative of his Department, more especially in view of the fact that his Department has not yet taken an inventory of the stores concerned.

My Department has a resident representative at this factory and holds a full inventory of the stores. A contractor is employed, under supervision, to demolish contaminated buildings and to remove the stores which are checked as they are moved.

Mr. McKie:

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that his information is largely incorrect and, as this matter is causing grave concern locally, will he give it close attention and consideration?

I certainly have given it close attention and consideration, and I am afraid the hon. Member has been misinformed.