asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he will make available for local purchase by auction or otherwise the plywood, wooden boxes, corrugated iron, asbestos roofing, canvas curtains, petrol pumps and storage tanks at Chipping Norton aerodrome.

This airfield is used as an Air Ministry storage depot, and the materials in question are not surplus. They are part of my Department's working stock of packing and building materials and equipment.

In view of the allegations that huge quantities of these things have, in fact, been destroyed, will the Secretary of State make inquiries and see that any such surpluses are made available rather than that they should be burned?

Following the question which the hon. Gentleman addressed to me three weeks ago I did initiate inquiries into the suggestions that were made, and it has been reported to me that there is no foundation for any suggestion that materials are being burnt improperly or being allowed to deteriorate.