HC Deb 20 April 1950 vol 474 cc316-7
52. Captain Soames

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware of the resentment amongst farmers that dealers are given the first opportunity to purchase from agricultural executive committees any available surplus agricultural machinery; and whether arrangements will be made in future to put all such surplus machinery up to auction, so that farmers may have the same opportunities as dealers with regard to its purchase.

Mr. T. Williams

It would not be in accordance with Government policy, as laid down in the White Paper of 1944 on Plans for Disposal of Government Stores, to dispose of surplus machinery entirely by public auction. The present arrangements provide for disposal both through trade channels and by public auction, and the major part of the machinery has, in fact, been sold by public auction. When sold through the trade, it has to be fully reconditioned and its re-sale price is controlled this system should not, therefore. be disadvantageous to farmers.