§ Major W. MURRAYasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether the Disposals Commission have yet furnished to negotiators, desirous of purchasing Gretna factory and property en bloc, any statement of what subjects will be included in such an overhead sale; and, if not, whether he will say in what way offers should be framed?
Mr. YOUNGFull particulars of the assets offered for sale with the factory in one lot are available for examination by prospective purchasers. With regard to the way in which offers should be framed, I may say that it is usual in the case of private treaty sales for purchasers to put forward their own proposals in the first instance.
§ Major MURRAYasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether, notwithstanding his assurance that the Government desired an overhead offer for Gretna, large sales of non-perishable subjects have recently been held there; whether more such sales are intended; and whether he is aware that such action by the Disposals Commission prejudices the chances of overhead offers for Gretna factory and property being received?
Mr. YOUNGThe answers to the first two parts of the question are in the affirmative, a sum of £27,500 having been realised last month by the sale of plant and machinery. As regards the last part, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to my reply of the 23rd May last.