HC Deb 18 July 1949 vol 467 c961
44. Mr. J. Langford-Holt

asked the Minister of Supply the total cost of motor vehicles bought by his Department since the termination of hostilities with Japan; and the total amount of Purchase Tax payable by private purchasers but not paid by his Department.

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

The cost of cars, utilities and commercial type motor vehicles bought by my Ministry for all Government Departments and delivered between 1st August, 1945, and 28th May, 1949, is £27,320,000. The second part of the Question is not a matter for my Department, but on a rough calculation, the amount involved is about £1,100,000.

Mr. Langford-Holt

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that that is the sort of reply one would have expected from a wealthy Government and not the impoverished one of which the right hon. Gentleman is a Member?