HC Deb 10 April 1956 vol 551 cc28-9
52. Mr. Dodds

asked the Postmaster-General why 532 unused motor cycle tyre covers and inner tubes, 1,429 unused assorted files, 3,968 unused No. 36 electric bulbs together with numerous other articles have been offered to the public for sale; what action was taken to acquaint other Government Departments and nationalised industries of the surplus stock before deciding on this method of disposing of the goods; and what resulted from contacting Departments and public authorities.

The Assistant Postmaster-General (Mr. C. J. M. Alport)

These are surplus goods of a total value of £2,300 being disposed of because they do not meet present Post Office needs. Three Government Departments were advised that these goods were available for sale, and concurrently 54 merchants were invited to tender; the list of Government Departments was subsequently increased to seven. Six have replied that they do not require any of them; a full reply from the seventh is awaited. Nationalised industries were not approached because it was thought unlikely that they would have a use for the goods.

Mr. Dodds

Can the hon. Gentleman deny that the amount of money that will be received for the sale of these and other goods sold previously will only be a fraction of what they cost? Can he also deny that there is a Government Department that could use these tyres or electric bulbs? Is it not about time that some pressure was applied to ensure that other Government Departments used some of these surplus stocks instead of buying new ones?

Mr. Alport

It is possible, although not necessarily the case, that we would get on the market, as a result of tender, a better price than we should get by transfer to a Government Department. During eleven months of the financial year 1955–56, when we were buying some £35 million worth of stores, only £7,000 worth have been withdrawn for redisposal, which seems to show a high level of skill in the purchasing department of the Post Office.

Mr. Dodds

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the Answer, I wish to give notice that I hope to raise this matter on the Adjournment.