§ 50. Lieut.-Colonel CROFTasked the Prime Minister whether, in order to ensure that Government surplus stores shall be sold to the best possible advantage, he will direct that all goods in the hands of the Disposal Board shall be sold either by auction or by sealed tender after public advertisement?
Mr. J. HOPEWhilst the greater part of the surplus Government property has been and will be sold by auction or by sealed tender, it would not be in the public interest to lay down a rule that no other form of sale may be adopted.
§ Lieut.-Colonel CROFTIs it not a fact that very many big offers have been made from time to time, have not been acknowledged, and then, after many weeks or months—
§ Mr. SPEAKERWill the hon. and gallant Gentleman please give notice of that question?
§ 51. Lieut.-Colonel CROFTasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that the special conditions of the War no longer prevail, he will direct that no public official shall take part in the sale of Government goods when his private interests might conflict with his public duties; and whether he will instruct the heads of Departments that, should such a situation occur in any particular deal, the official concerned shall take no part in the said transaction?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI have nothing to add to previous replies on this subject.