§ Brigadier-General CROFTasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether a large quantity of ply-wood was recently disposed of for an alleged sum of £160,000; if so, whether public tenders were invited or firms who had written to the Ministry asking to be informed when this ply-wood was to be sold were given an opportunity to quote; and whether a commission of 2½ per cent. was paid on the sale of this timber?
Mr. HOPEA large quantity of aeronautical ply-wood was recently sold for the sum of approximately £117,000. Public tenders for this material were not invited, because a legal doubt existed as to whether certain firms had not a prior right to offer under an existing arrangement with the Aircraft Production Department. The price obtained for this420W material was considered to be a very good one. The answer to the last part of the question is in the affirmative. In accordance with the normal custom of the trade, the sale was effected through a broker, who, in return, guaranteed the sale and was responsible for payment.