HC Deb 28 April 1958 vol 587 c7
11. Mrs. Butler

asked the Minister of Supply when it is expected that adequate cover will be available for surplus machine tools awaiting disposal.

Mr. Aubrey Jones

The amount of covered accommodation has been increased, but as the number of machine tools awaiting disposal at any one place is constantly changing, some may still have to be stored in the open.

Mrs. Butler

Is the Minister aware that many of these surplus machine tools are frequently sold for less than the price they should reach because of deterioration due to exposure to snow, rain and other bad weather conditions? Will he regard it as a matter of some urgency to try to provide more adequate cover in view of the loss involved to the taxpayer by the present system?

Mr. Jones

I suggest to the hon. Lady that the exposure of machine tools is the exception and not the rule. If some are sold subject to deterioration because of exposure, they are, therefore, few. What I cannot do is to promise coverage for every machine tool sold. That is hopelessly out of the question.