§ Mr. W. THORNEasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions if he is aware that recently the West Ham Board of Guardians desired to purchase one ton of galvanised barbed wire and communicated with the Disposals Board accordingly; that the Disposals Board offered ungalvanised wire, which was unsuitable for the Guardians' requirements; and that the Disposals Board have a great amount of the galvanised barbed wire accumulated and stored quite near the Guardians' offices; and if he can give any reasons why the Disposals Board refused to sell to the West Ham Board of Guardians the ton of galvanised barbed wire?
Mr. HOPEI am unable to trace the inquiry referred to from the West Ham Board of Guardians, but the Disposal Board have no galvanised barbed wire other than second-hand material reeled on stakes which is of varying lengths and doubtful condition. I can only suggest that the galvanised barbed wire referred to by my hon. Friend forms part of the War Office stocks and is not available for disposal.