§ 55. Colonl Errollasked the Minister of Supply and of Aircraft Production what plans he has prepared for the orderly disposal of redundant machine tools in British armament factories.
§ The Minister of Supply and of Aircraft Production (Mr. John Wilmot)Arrangements are already in operation for the orderly disposal of redundant machine tools from British armament factories and a complete and up-to-date record of those which are available for sale for peace-time production in the United Kingdom is maintained at six offices in various parts of the country. Intending purchasers 610 may inspect these records at the office most convenient to them and may obtain a permit to inspect machines where they are stored. Offers to purchase should then be made direct to the nearest Disposal Centre. In order to facilitate the clearance of certain factories where a large number of Government tools are available, temporary Disposal Centres are being established in those factories and offers to purchase these machines may be made at the factory. Contractors wishing to purchase Government-owned machine tools already in their possession should apply to the Department with whom they hold an agreement. Copies of full explanatory leaflets are being sent to the hon. and gallant Member.
§ Mr. Henderson StewartWill the right hon. Gentleman indicate the six centres where these lists are available?
§ Mr. WilmotYes, Sir, with pleasure. They are, Birmingham, Bristol, Glasgow, Leeds, London and Manchester.
§ Mr. StokesMay I ask my right hon. Friend whether this disposal is under the machine tool control?
§ Mr. WilmotYes, Sir.
§ Mr. BowlesMay I ask my right hon. Friend whether there is any priority and whether the Government exercise any control as to who receives these tools, or does the highest bidder get them?
§ Mr. WilmotAll circumstances are taken into account.