asked the Secretary of State for War how many vehicles are still parked on the autobahn between Hamburg and Bremen; what is their estimated value and why steps have not been taken to dispose of these vehicles and prevent further deterioration.

The answer to the first part of the Question is approximately 25,000, not all of which are on Army charge. It is not readily possible to make any accurate estimate of the value of these vehicles. All possible action is constantly being taken to dispose of all vehicles surplus to Army requirements. It is, however, necessary to inspect and classify all vehicles before they are handed over to the Ministry of Supply, so as to ensure that the best vehicles are kept for future Army needs. Some 83,000 vehicles have already been made available by the army of the Rhine for disposal, of which approximately half have been sold.

Is it not outrageous that two years after the end of the German war, on a Continent starved for motor transport, there should be 25,000 vehicles lying rotting?

It is not quite correct to say that they are rotting. Unfortunately, too many of the personnel in the army are engaged in looking after these vehicles and keeping them up to trim either for Army use or as surplus for disposal.

Has my right hon. Friend been assured that adequate guards are on duty to prevent the depredations that are constantly being made by those in search of spare parts?

I am not assured, but I have not got the men to make that possible.

Is it not a fact that this has now been going on for over 18 months, because this was exactly the situation, when I was out there in January of last year, to which I drew the right hon. Gentleman's attention as soon as I got back?

I am bound to say that in my opinion some of these vehicles will be worth little more than scrap iron.

Surely, if there are not sufficient men to take care of these vehicles, it would be better to dispose of them?

Yes, but that is not my responsibility.

I do not think that we can accept that answer. It is, presumably, the responsibility of the Government, and if it is not the right hon. Gentleman's responsibility, will he get into consultation with the right hon. Gentleman whose responsibility it is, and tell the House what he proposes to do about it?

I think that if the right hon. Gentleman wants any detailed answer to his question, the proper course for him to adopt would be to put it to the appropriate Minister. I can only do my job, and I can assure the right hon. Gentleman that we are in very close touch with the Ministry of Supply on these matters.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether any of these vehicles can be disposed of before they become scrap, to the German population who are very badly in need of them?

Yes, Sir. I rather think some of them go to the Control Commission for that purpose.