§ 60. Mr. Liddallasked the Minister of Supply whether his attention has been called to an offer published on behalf of the Director of Mechanisation of his Department to purchase 20 horse-power motor-cars less than three years old, at the original price, less 10 per cent, per annum depreciation; whether he is aware that this rate is in direct conflict with the basis upon which motor-cars have hitherto been requisitioned and is an increase thereon; that this rate is higher than is payable under the Defence Regulations, which prohibit increased appreciation due to the emergency; and what steps he proposes to take to disclaim this offer and to prevent this proposed increased expenditure?
§ Sir A. DuncanThe offer referred to is strictly limited to a small number of cars required to meet a special and urgent demand from the War Office. I cannot accept my hon. Friend's statement that the terms offered conflict with the basis to which he refers. I can assure him that only cars in such condition as to justify the expenditure involved will be selected.