§ 26. Mr. Gammansasked the Minister of Supply and of Aircraft Production why his Department has intimated its intention, without prior consultation with the horological trade, to dispose of surplus horological goods by tender, in direct con- travention of the policy previously agreed upon by the Board of Trade with representatives of the horological trade; and is he aware of the dislocation to normal trade channels and the exclusion of a large section of those engaged in the trade that this policy will entail.
§ Mr. WilmotI am mainly interested that Government surplus clocks and watches should get into the hands of the public as quickly as possible, as I know that there is a serious shortage. I have, therefore, decided to invite tenders but it will be open to all traders who sold such goods before the war to submit offers.