HC Deb 15 June 1948 vol 452 c252
54. Captain John Crowder

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what are the total proceeds of sales by auction of goods seized by the Customs for the six months to the latest available date, giving the figures for articles of clothing and jewellery separately.

Mr. Glenvil Hall

Such goods are now sold by tender. Sales in the six months ended 31st March, 1948, fetched £72,240. This sum includes £28,123 for jewellery, including watches, and £5,268 for clothing and other textile goods.

Captain Crowder

As regards clothing, could the Financial Secretary say whether the buyers have to surrender coupons?

Mr. Glenvil Hall

Normally, I gather, they are tendered for by wholesalers, but of course the eventual purchaser would have to hand in coupons for what he buys.

Mr. Scollan

Could the right hon. Gentleman tell us what proportion of that came out of Germany?

Mr. Glenvil Hall

I am sorry, but I cannot do so without notice.

Mr. Orbach

Can my right hon. Friend say whether "clothing" includes coats made of fur?

Mr. Glenvil Hall

No, Sir, I could not say.