HC Deb 24 January 1949 vol 460 cc542-3
13. Mr. Erroll

asked the Minister of Supply how many people are employed by the British Stores Disposal Mission in Egypt; what salaries are they paid; what stores have they disposed of in the last two years; what prices have been obtained; and what was the cost of production of the items sold.

The Minister of Supply (Mr. G. R. Strauss)

As the answer contains a number of figures, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Erroll

In view of the fact that the activities of this Disposal Mission almost amount to a scandal in Egypt, will the Minister see that proper inquiries are made?

Mr. Strauss

If the hon. Member makes allegations of this sort I think he might give me particulars and not make a broad statement.

Mr. Erroll

Will the Minister give me the figures?

Mr. Piratin

Can the Minister say whether any of these stores were sent to Transjordan, and if so, what?

Mr. Strauss

I do not think so, but if the hon. Member cares to put down a Question I will answer it.

Following is the answer:

On 1st January, 1949, 1,328 people were employed. Salaries, wages and allowances were at the rate of £267,000 a year. By 1st April, 1949, the number will be reduced to about 265 and the rate of annual expenditure to £87,000. During the last two years 772,000 tons of surplus stores and 29,000 vehicles were disposed of, bringing in £18,700,000. In addition, about 208,500 tons of stores and material in short supply were sent to this country. It is not practicable to give the cost of production of the goods sold.