§ 87. Mr. Geoffrey Cooperasked the Minister of Supply what attempts his Department makes, in disposing of Government surplus stores, to offer the stores to other Government Departments, or for purchase by nationalised industries, prior to disposal under contract to wholesale factors and retail distributors.
§ Mr. G. R. StraussThe great bulk of surplus stores are now sold by public auction. Certain classes of these stores are held back, where necessary, to meet the requirements of other Government Departments. I do not think it practicable to extend this arrangement generally to nationalised industries, but specific requests for particular stores are always met as far as possible.
§ Mr. CooperHave cases been brought to the notice of the Minister where the 1594 National Coal Board have bought stores at excessive prices from dealers which they could have obtained from his Department? Will he look into this with a view to seeing that, in the national interest, wherever possible, stores are obtained direct through his Department?
§ Mr. StraussThe nationalised industries are aware that if they need any stores we are likely to hold in surplus, they can approach us and we shall do our best to meet them. I am not aware of the particular case mentioned by my hon. Friend.