§ Mr. J. DAVISONasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether, before or since the conclusion of hostilities, any sales of public property in the control of the Ministry have been made to any paid or unpaid 967W official of the Ministry, or persons who have recently ceased to be officials, or to firms with which such paid or unpaid officials are connected; and, if so, whether he will give particulars of such sales and state whether they were made by public auction?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYFor the reasons I have stated in answer to other questions, I am not at present in a position to give precise information in regard to past transactions. The Disposals Board have decided that they would not be justified in refusing the highest offer which was made at public auction or by public tender, even if that offer came from official or past officials of the Ministry. In regard to sales of individual stores to such persons by private treaty, the Disposals Board are of opinion that there are cases in which such sales would be justified. They have laid down regulations securing that such sales are only to be permitted after full advertisement that the class of stores affected may be sold by private treaty; that, in the view of the Department, the price charged is the best obtainable; and that a record of all such sales is submitted weekly to the Disposals Board. This record will be open to inspection by Members of the House.
§ Mr. C. WHITEasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether in the disposal of surplus motors by the Government preferential terms may be given to discharged soldiers who are desirous of commencing business on their account as motor proprietors?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYI would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to the hon. Member for Eastbourne on the 13th instant.