§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSasked the President of the Board of Trade what is the total amount of the charges made by the purchasers of Slough for the overhauls and/or other services rendered by them to the Government under their agreement to purchase, dated 9th April, 1920?
Mr. YOUNGI have been asked to answer this question. Steps are being taken to ascertain the approximate figures, and I will let my hon. Friend have the information as soon as possible.
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSasked the President of the Board of Trade what has been the total expenditure by the Government on the Slough depot to date; and are they liable for any further expenditure or charges by the purchasers?
Mr. YOUNGThe total expenditure on Slough depôt is approximately £2,500,000. The only outstanding Government liability is a sum of approximately £50 in respect of land.
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§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will give a schedule of all vehicles which have been handed over to the purchasers of the Slough depot since the purchasers first took over the vehicles in situ there?
Mr. YOUNGVehicles and parts of vehicles have been handed over in all parts of the world, including overseas theatres of war. The preparation of such a schedule as that asked for would entail a great amount of clerical labour which, with the present depleted staff, it is not feasible to undertake.
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSasked the President of the Board of Trade what steps have the Government taken to ensure that the purchasers of the Slough depot have paid the correct amounts due under Clause 4 of the Heads of Agreement between the Ministry of Munitions and Sir Percival Perry, dated 9th April, 1920; and what amounts have been paid, and at what dates?
Mr. YOUNGThe Government auditors, Messrs. Price, Waterhouse & Company, take the usual steps on audit to ensure this. Nothing has so far become due to the Government under the Clause mentioned.