75. Lieut.-Commander Gerald Williamsasked the Minister of Supply and of Aircraft Production whether he is aware that those who, in 1940, gave their binoculars to the Ministry of Supply instead of lending or selling them to the Government, are now being informed that if surplus Service binoculars are ultimately available an opportunity will be given to those who gave or sold their binoculars to the Government to purchase a replacement through normal trade channels; and whether arrangements can be made to give more favourable treatment to those who gave their binoculars freely than to those who received full cash value for them.
§ Mr. WilmotWhilst I greatly appreciate the public spirit of those who made gifts of all kinds to the country towards the prosecution of the war, I am afraid that it is not possible for those who gave their binoculars to the Government to receive more favourable treatment in the disposal of surplus binoculars than those who sold them to the Government.
Lieut.-Commander WilliamsIs the Minister aware that in the future there may be further national emergencies, and if the Government now treat those who gave their binoculars generously, they are much more likely to have a successful appeal in the future?
§ Mr. WilmotYes, Sir, I appreciate that, but I am afraid that at that time imperfect records were made and binoculars were only one item among many, which included pots and pans and motor cars, which were donated for this purpose.
Vice-Admiral TaylorWill the right hon. Gentleman give those who gave their binoculars to the country at that time, 1907 the opportunity of purchasing binoculars from the Government out of the surplus stock?
§ Mr. WilmotYes, Sir, the same as the others.