HC Deb 26 March 1956 vol 550 cc1761-2
30. Mr. Fenner Brockway

asked the Minister of Supply why new Army clothing material is being supplied to factories as dusters when it could be used for a more useful purpose.

Mr. Erroll

The Ministry of Supply does not cut up surplus Army clothing material before disposal, and it does not supply dusters to private factories. I am unable to trace the origin of the sample which the hon. Member has kindly sent me.

Mr. Brockway

Does not the hon. Gentleman realise that that reply is not good enough?

Mr. Shinwell

Just dust in the eyes.

Mr. Brockway

This Question has been on the Order Paper for a month now. I have sent the hon. Gentleman the material. Is it not the case that it is good, new material? Is it not a scandal that, when prices for such material are so high, the Ministry should be sending such material through a dealer as dusters to factories?

Mr. Erroll

Although the Question may have been on the Paper for some time, the sample was received only on Friday last, and in that short time it has not been possible to trace the origin of the sample.