§ 99. Mr. de ROTHSCHILDasked the Secretary of State for War why the five coastguard houses at Bawdsey Ferry, 1686 near Felixstowe, were sold last summer privately and not by public auction; what price was obtained for them; and why one was not kept as a pilot's house, in view of the fact that the shortage of accommodation in that district has obliged one young pilot to sleep in a hulk on the river?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Mr. T. Shaw)It is in the discretion of the Department to sell either by public auction or by private treaty, and in this particular case the latter was the more advantageous method. As regards the sum realised, it is not considered desirable to disclose prices unless and until they are published in the Army Appropriation Account. The accommodation of pilots is not dealt with by the Government.
§ Mr. de ROTHSCHILDWhen will these accounts appear, and when shall we know for how much these houses were sold?
§ Mr. SHAWI cannot state if these accounts ever will appear. There are certain accounts and prices which are published, but there are other accounts as to commercial transactions, which are not individually disclosed.
§ Mr. de ROTHSCHILDIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that these houses were hawked about London for £1,600 and were finally sold to a lady who lives at Felixstowe; and is he sure that this transaction is above board?
§ Mr. SHAWIf the hon. Gentleman had given me that allegation before and had given me a chance of inquiring into it, I would have done so.
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat appears to be another question.