HC Deb 23 January 1947 vol 432 cc349-50
30. Lieut.-Colonel Corbett

asked the President of the Board of Trade why he is asking timber merchants to pay more than the original cost price for crawler tractors which have been hired to them by his Department, and on which they may have paid hiring charges already totalling more than the cost price.

Sir S. Cripps

The prices charged are based on current sale values, after making due allowance for depreciation. I am advised that they compare favourably with those which are being realised for similar vehicles in the open market. The amounts paid for the hiring of the vehicles are not regarded as relevant to the disposal value.

Lieut.-Colonel Corbett

Could not the right hon. and learned Gentleman offer some concession to merchants who give an undertaking not to resell their vehicles?

Sir S. Cripps

I do not see any reason why they should get them below market price, which is what substantially has happened.

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