HC Deb 10 April 1956 vol 551 cc18-9
32. Mr. Dodds

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what progress has been made in the investigations into the disposal of Government surplus stocks; how many Departments are represented on the committee looking into the matter; how many meetings have been held; and when he proposes to make a statement on the results of the investigations.

37. Sir F. Medlicott

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the constitution of the committee which is investigating the disposal of surplus Government stocks; and how soon he anticipates being able to make a statement on the work of the committee.

Mr. H. Macmillan

As soon as my inquiries are complete I shall submit to my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister the report for which he has asked. I cannot yet say when it will be possible for him to make a statement. These inquiries are being conducted in consultation with the disposing and purchasing Departments chiefly concerned.

Mr. Dodds

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that, in view of the evidence available of the colossal waste of money, there should be set up a Select Committee, which could deal with this matter much more effectively than a Departmental Committee reporting to Ministers?

Mr. Macmillan

No, Sir. I am doing what I was asked to do and making my inquiry. I will make my report to the Prime Minister, who will no doubt then consider what action he should recommend.

Mr. Dodds

On a point of order. In connection with this business of Government surplus stocks, Mr. Speaker, I should like to ask for your guidance. As you are well aware, for many weeks I have made application for an Adjournment debate so that the matter of Government surplus stocks could be raised on the Floor of the House. This week's Whip mentions that the hon. Member for Shrewsbury (Mr. Langford-Holt) has been allocated the Adjournment debate on Government surplus stocks. That having been so allocated, may I ask if that means that I shall not be considered for an Adjournment debate on Government surplus stocks in future?

Mr. Speaker

In addition to the hon. Member mentioned, there are other hon. Members who have applied for the Adjournment on this matter. I shall have to wait to see what the result of the Adjournment debate is, and what further information comes forth. I cannot pledge myself in advance about that.