HC Deb 03 March 1947 vol 434 cc6-7
11. Mr. Manningham-Buller

asked the Minister of Supply why members of the public who had not in their possession sale catalogues were refused admission to a sale of public property at Hinton areodrome; and to whom catalogues were issued and how were they selected.

Mr. Wilmot

No catalogues were issued, and the question of admission by catalogue did not arise.

Mr. Manningham-Buller

Will the right hon. Gentleman explain why people living in the neighbourhood were refused admission on the ground that they were not in possession of catalogues; and where there are motor vehicles badly needed by farmers and others, why should these people be refused an equal opportunity to purchase them?

Mr. Wilmot

The vehicles were being collected for disposal in the usual way. It was found that a number of these vehicles had electric generating plant mounted on them and, therefore, we took emergency steps to make these generating plants available to industry as quickly as possible during the fuel shortage.

Mr. Manningham-Buller

Is the Minister aware that this was a sale by auction which lasted the best part of a week, and why is it that ordinary people in the neighbourhood were not allowed to come in and bid?

Mr. Wilmot

My information is that there was no sale by auction. If the hon. and learned Member has any information to the contrary, I shall be glad to look into it.

Major Cecil Poole

May I ask my right hon. Friend whether he really has any correct information as to what is on this aerodrome at the present time, because his staff on the aerodrome certainly have not?

Mr. Wilmot

On the contrary, we have a complete inventory of all that is on the aerodrome.

Mr. Manningham-Buller

Will the Minister ensure that in future sales, members of the public are admitted and given an opportunity to buy those things which are being offered?

Mr. Wilmot

Certainly, that is the intention.

Mr. Manningham-Buller

It is not being carried out.

Major Poole

In support of what I have said, is the Minister aware that his staff on the aerodrome having stated there were no three-phase generators, the drivers on the aerodrome were able to produce some?