HC Deb 15 March 1956 vol 550 cc553-5
45. Mr. Dodds

asked the Prime Minister if he can yet make a statement in respect of the investigations of Departmental Ministers in regard to Government surplus stock offered at public auctions.

The Prime Minister (Sir Anthony Eden)

I have asked my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer to consider the outcome of the Departmental inquiries which are being made and, in consultation with the other Ministers concerned, to report on the general procedure for the disposal of surplus service stores.

Mr. Dodds

Arising out of that reply, does the Prime Minister recollect that on 1st March, in respect of the sale of nearly a quarter million gallons of surplus paint, he gave as an excuse in this House that it was special paint purchased for the war in Korea and became surplus when peace came to Korea? Is he aware that the surplus amounted to 4,800 gallons? Was it not misleading the House to talk about a quarter million gallons? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the strange coincidence that a Government Department which has never purchased paint before has purchased 1,500 gallons, with a saving to the taxpayer?

The Prime Minister

I have asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer to review this question. If the hon. Member has further detailed Questions to put on the matter, perhaps he will put them to my right hon. Friend or to the Department handling the matter.

Mr. Gaitskell

May I ask the Prime Minister when the inquiry is likely to be completed?

The Prime Minister

I should not like to pledge myself to a date. We have to review the practice which has been established for some time, and see in what way it needs amending. I think the Financial Secretary has already made an interim report to my right hon. Friend on the problems which have to be met. I would rather not give an actual date.

46. Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

asked the Prime Minister how many Departments are concerned in the sale of surplus strategic stocks; and how other Departments are informed of these surplus stocks before they are sold to private buyers.

The Prime Minister

The Board of Trade will be predominantly concerned. The Admiralty and the Ministry of Supply may also be concerned. Surplus stocks will be offered to other Departments before they are sold outside.

Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

Is the Prime Minister aware that from the Answer which I received from the President of the Board of Trade to Question No. 15 today, it is quite impossible to find how much money is being wasted as a result of this disposal? Will the right hon. Gentleman take it upon himself to instruct the President of the Board of Trade or to take such steps as are necessary to enable the House and the taxpayers to find how much is being wasted as a result of these disposals?

The Prime Minister

I think that probably the reason why the hon. and gallant Member could not find the amount is that the action has not yet been taken. As it is decided which stocks will be run down the Board of Trade will give other Departments a list of those commodities so that they may know which they are.

Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

That does not answer the Question.

The Prime Minister

I thought I answered it rather well.

Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

On a point of order. Owing to the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.