HC Deb 27 February 1951 vol 484 cc1894-5
27. Mr. Low

asked the Secretary of State for War what general stores have been sold by his Department or with his Department's authority during the current financial year; and what general stores he has estimated in Vote 7 Z (2) will be so sold during the next financial year.

Mr. Strachey

It is estimated that the value of general stores sold by my Department in the current financial year will be £1,075,000 and in the following year £950,000. The value of stores declared surplus by the War Department which have been sold by other Government Departments during these years is not readily available.

Mr. Low

Is the right hon. Gentleman justified in selling the vast amount of stores represented by the £1 million at a time when he must really want everything on which he can lay his hands?

Mr. Strachey

I have confidence in the Quartermaster-General and his Department to retain all the stores for which they have good use.

Brigadier Prior-Palmer

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman to look into this very seriously? We are getting disturbing reports about the amount of stuff which is being sold, including some which is not surplus to establishment.