HC Deb 07 October 1942 vol 383 cc1215-6
55. Major Lyons

asked the Minister of Supply whether he has considered an advertisement, of which he has been informed, whereby guaranteed unregistered eight horse-power ex-War Department motor-cars are offered for unrestricted sale to the public; and why, when Government Departments are buying for State use large quantities of motorcars and these small motor-cars are urgently needed for economy, private sales have been permitted of these Government motor-cars so as to incur further cost to the public on their repurchase?

The Minister of Supply (Sir Andrew Duncan)

I find that the advertisement relates to vehicles purchased by unrestricted tender from the Ministry of Supply in November, 1941. Since February this year, all ex-Army motor-cars have been sold to their original manufacturers for resale to the public under controlled conditions.

Major Lyons

Are not these small-powered motor-cars that were sold now wanted by the Ministry of War Transport for national purposes, and will they go back to the Government at a higher price than the Government sold them for to the ring?

Sir A. Duncan

No, I think the hon. and gallant Gentleman will find that these cars will not go back to the Government.