§ 43. Sir W. Smithersasked the Minister of Supply and of Aircraft Production why the decision to sell surplus motor vehicles by auction is not being put into effect forthwith.
§ Mr. WilmotTo ensure that the auction sales are conducted efficiently, considerable detailed preliminary work is necessary. This is being tackled with all speed as we are as anxious as anybody that the sales should take place as soon as possible.
§ Sir W. SmithersIs the report which I have seen in the papers that sales are not to commence until May correct? If so, may I ask whether reputable private enterprise auctioneers are to take charge of the sales?
§ Mr. WilmotThat has been done.
§ Mr. Benn LevyWhy has it been decided at this juncture to sell by auction, in view of the fact that the shortage of vehicles has meant that there are not sufficient of them to supply the needs of disabled ex-Servicemen?
§ Mr. WilmotBecause there is an accumulation of special types and of a large number of other vehicles, very few of which would prove to be suitable for the purpose mentioned by my hon. Friend. Therefore, I thought it best to char them off by offering them to the public in the first place.
§ 70. Lord John Hopeasked the Minister of Supply and of Aircraft Production whether, before the public auction of surplus reconditioned vehicles takes place, he will ensure that the claims of all qualified ex-Servicemen, who wish to be accommodated under the Ministry of War Transport Scheme for the provision of reconditioned ex-Service vehicles, are satisfied.
§ Mr. WilmotWe will do our best before the auctions begin, to select any cars which are suitable for reconditioning and sale through the scheme agreed with the trade.