HC Deb 04 April 1951 vol 486 cc196-7
31 Mr. Alport

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) how many jeeps, reconditioned Bedford truck engines and other vehicles of other makes were sold by the Overseas Food Corporation at Kongwa; what was the price received; and what was the original cost;

(2) how many mattresses were sold by the Overseas Food Corporation at Kongwa; what was the price received; and what was their original cost;

(3) how many E.P.I.P. tents were disposed of by the Overseas Food Corporation at Kongwa to a Mr. Fowler; how much was paid by Mr. Fowler for these tents; and what was the original cost of them.

Mr. Cook

These Questions relate to details of the management of the scheme and can be more suitably put to the Corporation. My right hon. Friend has, therefore, asked the Corporation to let the hon. Member have the answers direct.

Mr. Alport

Is the hon. Member aware that, with reference to the statement in Question No. 33, the purchaser of the E.P.I.P. tents estimates that he will make 13,233⅓ per cent. profit on the transaction? Has the hon. Member's Department been in touch with the War Department about the serious shortage of tents in the Middle East? Does he not think that it is time that an inquiry was made into the disposal of these stores, in view of the very serious information which is reaching this country from East Africa at the present time?

Mr. Cook

That is not asking for information: that is giving it; but I would prefer that the hon. Gentleman should await the reply he will get from the Corporation.

Mr. Butcher

In view of the widespread interest in this matter, could the hon. Gentleman give it greater publicity than that of a letter to one hon. Member of the House?