§ 83. Mr. Hubbardasked the Minister of Supply if he is aware that, while a number of new houses are now occupied although still unpainted as a result of shortage of paint, approximately 20,000 gallons of paint were sold by auction by order of his Department at Newbury racecourse last month and a similar amount is to be offered this month; and, as the price obtained last month was more than twice the market value of the paint, if he will withdraw the 20,000 gallons from the December sale and make it available for distribution by the Minister responsible for housing.
§ Mr. WilmotThe amount of paint sold by auction at Newbury was about 8,000 31 U.S. gallons, the equivalent of about 6,700 English gallons, and the prices realised averaged 21s. a gallon. The further quantity of 33,000 U.S. gallons, the equivalent of about 27,500 English gallons, has been withdrawn from the sale and will be made available to the Ministry of Works.