HC Deb 02 March 1920 vol 126 cc237-8
15. Sir RICHARD COOPER

asked the Secretary of State for War if all war stores in France for which he has been responsible have been handed over to the Disposal Board; were they listed and checked before being handed over; and, if not, what is the approximate value of such stores now held in France by the War Office and the Royal Air Force?

Mr. CHURCHILL

All stores in France surplus to Army requirements and surplus to necessary requirements for local maintenance have been declared surplus to the Disposal Board. All such stores have been listed and checked, except about 2 per cent. which are now being dealt with. All Royal Air Force stores other than those retained for post-war stocks have been declared surplus to the Disposal Board, and it is anticipated that all such stores will have been handed over to the Board by the end of this month. All stores transferred have been either listed and checked or valued by the Board s valuers.

Sir R. COOPER

May I ask whether, if it can be shown that there really is unnecessary delay in disposing of War stores in France, it rests now with the Disposal Board and not with the War Office?

Mr. CHURCHILL

Yes, Sir, the War Office handed over the enormous bulk of the stores to the Disposal Board, and they are getting rid of it on the best terms possible in the shortest time.

Mr. MacVEAGH

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether it is a fact that these tenders which are invited for these goods are open tenders and not sealed tenders; and, if not, why?

Mr. CHURCHILL

That question should be addressed to the representative of the Ministry of Munitions.

Mr. MacVEAGH

He says he has nothing to do with it.