HC Deb 28 July 1924 vol 176 cc1743-6
22. Mr. HARDIE

asked the Prime Minister why the Government has permitted the sale of Government houses and other property at Gretna?

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. William Graham)

It was decided to dispose of Government property at Gretna because it was surplus to Government requirements.

Mr. HARDIE

Have the Government made investigations as to the possibilities of the productive power of these plants for national needs, such as the supply of fuel for aeroplanes and other things connected with national defence?

Mr. GRAHAM

Yes. I can assure my hon. Friend that the whole circumstances were considered, and after reviewing all the facts the Government decided that the sale could not be postponed.

Mr. HARDIE

Is it not a customary thing to suspend or postpone a sale? Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the auctioneer who was carrying out the sale pointed out that so many people thought the sale was suspended that they had not turned up? Why did not the Government suspend the sale until they had had full investigations as to the possibilities of the plant?

Mr. D. G. SOMERVILLE

Is it the intention of the Government to let the houses if they are unable to sell them; or what is the programme?

Mr. GRAHAM

In reply to the hon. Member for Springburn (Mr. Hardie), I am afraid I can only repeat that it was the decision of the Government and I cannot add anything to what I have said. As regards the houses not being sold, it would be impossible for me to make any statement as to what is to be done with them. I am afraid it would be impossible to find tenants in that isolated spot.

Mr. HARDIE

Why do the Government want to sell land belonging to the nation, seeing that we stand for nationalisation and the reconstruction of industry?

Mr. SPEAKER

We cannot now discuss the matter.

Mr. HARDIE,

I beg to give notice that I will raise this question on the Adjournment.

66. Mr. SOMERVILLE

also asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the average price received for dwelling-houses sold at the Gretna sale and the average price it cost to build them?

Mr. GRAHAM

The average price received for brick houses sold was £324 4s. 6d. at Gretna and £315 10s. 6d. at Eastriggs. The wooden bungalows sold in both townships averaged £43 10s. each. I regret that the average cost of building these brick houses and wooden bungalows is not available, but, if it can be obtained from the accounts for the years 1916–1917 without serious labour, I will let the hon. Member have the figures.

Mr. T. JOHNSTON

Is it the case that no reserve prices were placed upon the valuable property arid plant disposed of at Gretna; and is it a fact that £2,850 was received for the steam laundry which the auctioneer himself said was only the scrap value of the plant?

Mr. GRAHAM

I understand that reserve prices were placed on all the property at Gretna, but I could not offhand without notice give details of any individual item.

Mr. SOMERVILLE

If over £300 each was paid for these dwelling-houses, is it not curious there was no demand for letting these houses, since there were purchasers who desired them to live in?

Mr. HANNON

As there is obviously great loss to the taxpayers in these sales will the hon. Gentleman institute some inquiry to satisfy the public as to how they are being conducted?

Mr. P. HARRIS

Were offers made to let these houses to villagers in the neighbourhood of Gretna?

Mr. GRAHAM

If I remember rightly, some time ago, every effort was made to let these houses, but in fact, at that time, applications could not be obtained, and it was then arranged to sell the property. As I have already mentioned, in point of fact the prices obtained for the, small houses were surprisingly large. In reply to the question by the hon. Member for Barrow (Mr. Somerville) I could not offhand say what is the intention regarding the letting of the houses, but I imagine that they must have been bought for occupation.

Mr. HANNON

May I have an answer to my question?

Dr. CHAPPLE

Has any of the property which did not obtain the full reserve since been sold, and has it reached the reserve privately?

Mr. GRAHAM

I cannot say whether any of the house property has been sold since the sale, but, one plant was sold subsequent to the sale. As regards the question of an inquiry, the position will be reviewed by the Government almost immediately. I ought to state to the House that while more than £100,000 was realised at Gretna, only a small fraction of the property was sold.

Mr. SIMPSON

How many houses were sold?

Mr. GRAHAM

I am afraid I could not say offhand. I do not know that I have the actual number sold.

Mr. W. THORNE

Is it not a fact that this factory was put up during the War at inflated prices, and that there is, therefore, bound to be a loss to the taxpayers?

Mr. HARDIE (speaking from the Opposition side, near the seat of the Sergeant-at-Arms)

Is there any truth in the statement which has appeared in some of the papers that the Government are selling these houses, in order to get money to pay the subsidies for the brick boxes not yet built?

Viscount CURZON

On a point of Order. Is it in order, or in accordance with custom, for a Member of the party opposite to ask questions from these benches here?

Mr. HARDIE

I am waiting here, to get a ticket for the Members' gallery.

Mr. SPEAKER

I have often seen it done.