HC Deb 17 December 1941 vol 376 cc1941-2
56. Major Lyons

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply whether the invitations to tender for the disposal of vehicles prior to present arrangements were made publicly or otherwise, and to whom; by whom the examinations were made as to reconditioning suitability; and what restrictions are imposed as to re-sale upon the first disposal of vehicles under the present scheme?

Mr. Harold Macmillan

Prior to the present arrangements, the invitation to tender for the disposal of vehicles was issued to dealers and car breakers operating within a limited distance of the park in which the particular vehicles were located. The examination as to suitability for reconditioning was made by technical officers of the Ministry. With regard to the last part of the Question, as stated in my reply on 10th December, vehicles are sold only to operators holding certificates to purchase from the Regional Transport Commissioners of the Ministry of War Transport.

Major Lyons

Does not my hon. Friend realise that the semi-private nature of the original tender helped to form a ring which put up prices and was unjust to the taxpayer?

Mr. Macmillan

The practice under the original system was to issue offers of tender to merchants within a reasonable distance of the parks. I do not think any other system could have been followed.

Major Lyons

Does not my hon. Friend realise that he himself has played a part in acquiring some of these vehicles for which the taxpayer is paying the high price which he himself helped to make?

Mr. Noel-Baker

Would the hon. Gentleman be good enough to answer that point, as a very important question has been raised?

Mr. Macmillan

The hon. and gallant Gentleman who put the Question asked what had been the practice before we were able to institute a new system. The Question refers to a period covered prior to six or eight months ago. A completely new system is now in operation.

Major Lyons

In view of the unsatisfactory position which has been disclosed, I beg to give notice that I will take an opportunity of raising the matter on the Adjournment at some reasonably convenient moment.