§ 76. Sir W. DAVISONasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will inform the House for what reason the sale of furniture and other stores at the military barracks at Birr, King's County, was suddenly stopped by order of the Government in the middle of the second day's sale, when good prices were being realised; and what is proposed to be done with the property in these barracks which is still unsold?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLAs I have explained in answer to previous questions, it has been arranged that surplus military stores required by the Provisional Government should be handed over to that Government subject to a valuation. In the case referred to by the hon. Member, the Provisional Government notified the Disposal Commission that they desired to exercise their option under this arrangement, and the Disposal Commission thereupon gave orders for the suspension of the sale The unsold property has been handed over to the Provisional Government in accordance with the arrangement already referred to.
§ Sir W. DAVISONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that very good prices have always been obtained and were being obtained at this sale which was suddenly stopped in the middle by order of the Government? Will he see that the goods which are taken over are handed over on the same terms as were being obtained at the sale?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI cannot say what the actual process of the valuation will be, but I certainly think that the facts stated by my hon. Friend should be placed on record.