§ 38. Mr. Doddsasked the Secretary of State for War the total original cost of the 1,250,000 pairs of boots and 1,080,000 half-soles which have been found to be surplus to requirements.
§ The Secretary of State for War (Mr. Christopher Soames)The original cost of the boots was about £2 million and of the half-soles about £250,000. All, or nearly all, the half-soles will be kept for future use.
§ Mr. DoddsWill the Secretary of State for War give the House some information about what action has been taken towards those in his Department who had these boots produced knowing full well that they would never be required? In view of the fact that the boots have been in stock in a depôt near Burton-on-Trent for over two years, will he say what is to happen to try to prevent an undue waste of public money in selling them?
§ Mr. SoamesAs the hon. Member knows, I cannot discuss the Report of the late Auditor-General at present, because it is being discussed by the Public Accounts Committee and will be presented to the House.