HC Deb 29 June 1954 vol 529 cc82-3W
59. Mr. Renton

asked the Minister of Works the total value of used and unused stores, respectively, held by or on behalf of his Department at the latest date for which figures are available.

Sir D. Eccles

At 31st October, 1953, my Department held unused stores, including fuel and hutting, valued at £5,697,000 and used stores having a new value of £1,172,000. Since October, 1953, there has been a reduction in these stocks estimated at £1,100,000. These figures exclude certain small items and also materials and plant in building maintenance depots. In addition, my Department holds large stocks on behalf of the Ministries of Health and Food and the Home Office. No other organisation holds stores on behalf of my Department.

60 and 61. Mr. Renton

asked the Minister of Works (1) the present value of the land and buildings occupied by used and unused stores held by his Department; and what is the number of staff required to protect and administer such stores;

(2) the annual cost of storing, maintaining, protecting and administering the used and unused stores held by his Department.

Sir D. Eccles

It is not possible to give the capital value of the land and buildings used for my Department's stores, but the estimated annual rental value of the storage buildings is about £245,000. The staff required to operate these stores numbers 1,728 of whom 1,256 are in industrial grades. The present estimated annual cost of storing, manitaining, protecting and administering the stores held for my own and other Departments is about £1,450,000.