§ 7. Mr. Swinglerasked the Secretary of State for War why the Army is holding ten years' stock of blanco.
§ Mr. HareNo blanco has been bought since 1951—[HON. MEMBERS: "Hear, hear."]—and the accumulation of stock is due to reduced rate of consumption which was not foreseen at the time of the last purchases.
§ Mr. SwinglerWhile appreciating the cleverness of the Secretary of State's reply, may I ask whether something cannot be done to dispose of the stock in a more useful way? While appreciating, too, the action taken to reduce consumption, may I ask whether the Secretary of State will also take action to get rid of some of the surplus stock?
§ Mr. HareMy reply was not clever; it was factual. I am taking steps to see that some of this very large accumulation of stock, bought in 1951, will be released.
§ Mr. NabarroDoes not this large Socialist investment in blanco demonstrate the firm belief of the Opposition in the merits of "bull"?
§ Mr. ShinwellAre not the large stocks of blanco purchased by the Labour Government still in good condition?