HC Deb 10 February 1944 vol 396 cc1897-8
40. Mr. Shinwell

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can state the principles guiding the Treasury as regards the disposal of goods surplus to war requirements; and whether before such goods are disposed of by Government Departments the Treasury is consulted.

Sir J. Anderson

My right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade explained the methods which would be followed in the disposal of post-war surpluses in answer to a Question on 2nd November, 1943. Goods which become surplus to requirements while the war is still in progress are disposed of as far as possible in accordance with similar principles after consultation with the Treasury and other Departments concerned.

Mr. Shinwell

Could the right hon. Gentleman say whether precautions are taken to ensure that when goods surplus to war requirements are disposed of to manufacturers and wholesalers the subsequent price to retailers is controlled?

Sir J. Anderson

I think that is a Question that had better be addressed to my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade. So far as I am concerned every possible care is taken.

Mr. Stokes

Is the Chancellor aware that I have evidence of engines taken practically new out of tanks being sold for £50 or £60 each?

Sir J. Anderson

Perhaps the hon. Member will send that information to the proper quarter.

Mr. Shinwell

Because of the considerable information that is now coming along regarding goods now being disposed of to wholesalers and manufacturers will the right hon. Gentleman give, as far as is practicable, some little attention to the matter and discover what is going on?

Sir J. Anderson

I will gladly do so and perhaps my hon. Friend will give me any information he has in his possession.

Mr. Rhys Davies

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that when the President of the Board of Trade gave a reply on this point the real issue was whether the Government had an inventory of the goods that they possessed? How is he going to deal with the disposal of stocks when the Government are not sure that the stocks belong to them?

Sir J. Anderson

My hon. Friend is mistaken. The reply to which I was referring had nothing to do with inventories. It explained that, so far as possible, the disposal of various categories of goods was entrusted to the Departments that had the handling of the goods in the first instance.