77. Mr. JONESasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether a locomotive manufactured by Messrs. Hudswell, Clarke, and Company, Limited, Leeds, was bought second-hand by the Ministry in July, 1917, for £399; whether Mr. J. C. Edwards, Terra Cotta Works, Ruabon, on applying for particulars of available engines, was offered this same locomotive by the Ministry of Munitions, Room 121a, Charing Cross Embankment, and asked the sum of £1,150 for it, although it is stated to require re-tubing; and, if so, whether these methods of trade have received the sanction of the Government?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYThe facts are as stated in the first and second parts of the question. In suggesting a price of £1,150 the Department was guided by the amounts being received for similar class locomotives.