§ 11. Mr. Doddsasked the Secretary of State for War why 12 million horseshoe nails are being sold by auction; how many will remain in stock; what was the date of the last order for this type of nail; and when it is anticipated that further supplies will require to be ordered.
§ Mr. F. MacleanOne hundred and fifty-three tons of horseshoe nails of five different sizes were put up for sale because we had no further use for them. No stocks of these sizes will be retained, nor do we intend to buy any more. Two sizes were last ordered in 1942; one in 1943 and two in 1945. They were for use abroad during the war, when we had large numbers of mules and ponies.
§ Mr. DoddsThe Minister says they have no more of these nails left in stock and that they are not to buy any more. What, then, are they to do with regard to the 793 mules and horses that are on the strength? I would also ask the hon. Gentleman whether he might not have retained the horseshoe nails a little longer, and instead of selling them as scrap he could then have sold them as souvenirs of a bygone age.
§ Mr. MacleanThe hon. Member misheard me. What I said was that no stocks of these sizes will be retained. We are keeping enough nails of the right size for the mules and horses.
§ 28. Lieut.-Colonel Liptonasked the Secretary of State for War at what intervals the stock of horseshoe nails held by his Department was checked; and what steps were taken to prevent deterioration.
§ Mr. F. MacleanAbout every two years. Horseshoe nails need little attention.
§ Lieut.-Colonel LiptonCan the hon. Gentleman estimate the thousands of man hours spent by the unfortunate men who have to count these nails?
§ Mr. StokesThey do not do it that way.
§ Mr. MacleanThe nails have not been counted. We know by weight how many we have.