HC Deb 07 November 1918 vol 110 cc2299-300
62. Major Sir HENRY HAVELOCK-ALLAN

asked the Prime Minister whether a central organisation known as the Surplus Government Property Disposal Authority was established by decision of the War Cabinet in 1917 and by Order in Council, March 1918, and has since been effecting sales; and whether this is the only channel through which surplus Government property is to be disposed of both now and after the War?

Mr. BONAR LAW

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the scope of the authority, I am not yet in a position to add anything to the reply which I gave to the hon. and gallant Member to his question on this subject on 29th October.

Colonel WEIGALL

May I ask how soon the House will have a reply, in view of the urgency of creating an authority to deal with all this surplus stock, and is the right hon. Gentleman aware that no provision has been made by the Army in any theatre of war?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I can assure my hon. Friend that the Government fully realise the importance of this matter, and nobody more than the Chancellor of the Exchequer. I believe that hundreds of millions are included. We are proceeding as quickly as we possibly can.

Mr. LOUGH

Can my right hon. Friend say whether public notice will be given of these sales and whether they will be conducted by auction?

Mr. BONAR LAW

They are not taking place yet to any considerable extent. The whole question will depend upon the view taken by the authorities.

Colonel WEIGALL

Is it not a fact that the Board has sat every single Thursday ever since it was set up, and that hundreds of thousands of pounds' worth of property changes hands each week?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I am aware of the fact. When I said that it was not in operation, I meant that after the War it would not be a question of hundreds of thousands, but of many millions. I can add nothing to what I have said. The Government fully realise the importance of the matter and are doing their best to get the best possible scheme.