asked the Minister of Defence what is the approximate value of installations, stores and equipment in Palestine belonging to the Royal Navy, the Army, and the R.A.F., respectively, and what arrangements are to be made about these prior to the withdrawal of our Forces from Palestine.

I regret that I am unable to supply the figures asked for by the hon. Member. The valuation of the installations, stores and equipment belonging to the three Services in Palestine would have to be carried out locally by staffs whom it would be unwise to divert from their more pressing duties in organising and carrying out the evacuation of the Forces from that country. The basis of any such valuation, if attempted, would be very uncertain, since, for some categories of stores it would represent the replacement value, while for others it would represent only the disposal value obtainable from a willing buyer. As regards the second part of the Question, instructions with regard to the evacuation of stores have already been issued, and evacuation by sea and land is proceeding as quickly as possible; the disposal of fixed assets is in hand.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give the House any idea of the proportion of the installations, stores and equipment which will have been evacuated by August?

I do not think I could offhand. It will take some little evaluation to do that, but we are anxious to secure for ourselves, in the evacuation, those things which continue to be of replacement value to us, and we are concentrating upon them.

I presume that at some period the Minister of Defence will inform the House what is to happen to any of these installations, if any of them should be left there when the evacuation takes place?

I should think that would be quite proper, but I am not sure whether it would be my function or that of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies. We will look into it.

Is it true that a large amount of motor transport will probably be left both in Palestine and Egypt, and has my right hon. Friend considered the possibility of making it available to nearby countries which suffered enemy occupation in the war, and are still very short of such transport?

All these matters are being taken into account, but the first consideration is to secure the utmost economy we can for our country.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us upon what, if any, principle, permanent and immovable installations are being left or destroyed?

The more permanent installations will certainly not fall within my category for negotiation; I have an interest in them but they are more a matter for negotiation with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies.

Did any stores or equipment come under Lend-Lease originally, and will these have to be returned?

I cannot say without notice, but I should think that there would not be very much of that now.