HC Deb 08 March 1948 vol 448 c781
32. Mr. De la Bère

asked the Minister of Works whether he can now make some statement in connection with ex-Government ladders, trestles and stirrup pumps which the Surplus Disposal Bureaux throughout the country have in their possession; and whether he will consider acceding to the request of the Bureaux to sell these goods by auction in single lots to the consumer.

Mr. Key

I have no knowledge of any such request from the organisation referred to, but if the hon. Member will let me have details, I will look into the matter.

Mr. De la Bère

Surely, the right hon. Gentleman will appreciate that I wrote to the Minister of Supply and to him asking for permission to hold a sale of these articles singly? Will he give an assurance that when this letter is read again, he will give the permission?

Mr. Key

No, Sir, all I can say is that if there is a letter I will read it again and see what is possible.

Mr. De la Bère

There is a letter, and I hope the right hon. Gentleman will read it without any further delay.