§ 47. Mr. Turtonasked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware that on 10th April, 1943, his Department sold a Bedford coach, W.D. 4538153, to Mr. A. Tebb, of Carlton Hosthwaite, and that on 14th April, 1943, his Department, without Mr. Tebb's consent, delivered the same coach to Mr. H. Gilbert, of Tunbridge Wells; and whether he will now secure that this coach is returned to Mr. Tebb and that Mr. Tebb receives due compensation for the period during which he has been deprived of the use of his vehicle?
§ Sir A. DuncanYes, Sir. I am aware of the facts of this case, which I much regret. It is not possible to deliver to Mr. Tebb the original coach, but negotiations are in progress with his solicitors with the object of providing him with a similar coach and of meeting any expense to which he has been put.
§ Mr. TurtonSurely if a large company had been involved my right hon. Friend's Department would not have sold to someone else a vehicle they had already sold to that company and then instead of returning the vehicle merely conducted lengthy negotiations lasting eight months?
§ Sir A. DuncanThe difficulty in this case was that a mistake was made. It was not so easy to correct the mistake, because the property had passed to another person.
§ Mr. TurtonIs there any hope that the delay which has lasted eight months will be ended?
§ Sir A. DuncanYes, Sir.