§ 1. Mr. Geoffrey Cooperasked the Minister of Supply if he is satisfied with the prices that his Department has obtained for approximately 15,000 areoplane engines, which have been disposed of for breaking up; and what steps were taken to offer these engines for industrial or other use in this country or to overseas buyers.
§ The Minister of Supply (Mr. John Wilmot)All surplus engines for which there is any market are offered for sale by competitive tender. Those for which there is no market are sold for scrap, also by competitive tender.
§ Mr. CooperCould my right hon. Friend confirm or deny that his Department has been getting only between 30s. and 60s. for these aircraft engines, whereas their value, in scrap materials and accessories, is in the neighbourhood of £20? Can he also confirm that his Department are selling complete aircraft for £15, and if these figures are correct does he not think that he would get a better bargain for the public if he advertised these surplus supplies more widely?
§ Mr. WilmotMy hon. Friend's figures are inaccurate. The sales are advertised, and we get the best price by competitive tender.
§ Sir Patrick HannonHas the right hon. Gentleman a competent technical committee to advise on these surplus supplies before they are sold by competitive tender?
§ Mr. WilmotYes, Sir.