§ 86. Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury who are Textiles Surplus, Limited; what is their capital; what was the nature of the contract entered into by the Disposal Board with them; and whether any arrangements have been made with the company for giving preference in disposal to any of their friends in Manchester or otherwise?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Hilton Young)The company is a limited liability company, and full information as to its composition and capital is available at Somerset House. With regard to the third part of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which was given on this subject on the 10th May. I am not sure that I understand the last part of the question. My hon. Friend does not, I imagine, mean to suggest that the officials of the Department have arranged for a preference to their own friends. I need not say that such a suggestion would be absolutely baseless. In general, no arrangements for preferential treatment have been made by the Disposal Board or with their knowledge.
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSif I put down a question for a non-oral answer will the hon. Gentleman give full details of this contract?
§ Mr. YOUNGIf the hon. Member states specifically what information he requires, I shall be most happy to furnish it.
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSWill he give the House a copy of the contract?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI will put it down.