§ 55. Mr. BILLINGasked the Prime Minister whether he is prepared to provide that the disposal of Government property shall be so arranged as to permit purchase by individuals, especially in regard to Government lorries, etc., so that demobilised men who are anxious to start small transport businesses of their own may not be exploited by large speculative buyers?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYYes, Sir. Since the date of the Armistice motor lorries have so far only been sold individually. This practice will continue to be followed, exception only being allowed in cases of cars which are much worn and damaged. The Disposal Board will require notice of all such exceptions before the sale in block is approved.
§ Mr. BILLINGIs it proposed to hold sales and issue catalogues in the ordinary way or will the property be sold by private tender?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYThey will be sold by auction and catalogues will be issued in the ordinary way.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODDoes that practice extend to Mesopotamia and Egypt?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYI shall require notice of that. I am only speaking of this country.
Colonel C. LOWTHERCould any legislation be introduced to enable some of this obsolete paraphernalia of war to be sold to disabled sailors and soldiers at easy prices?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYI think the suggestion which I made last week ought to enable us to get over that difficulty, but we are prepared to assist any organisation which applies on behalf of soldiers and sailors.