§ Lieut.-Colonel BURGOYNEasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions the principle upon which motor lorries are disposed of at Cologne by the Disposal Board; whether preferential treatment is given to particular firms; whether certain firms who have been successful in the purchase of lorries have been met by valuation officers, whereas others have been informed after going to considerable expense that no such officer is at their disposal and that they must deal direct with the Disposal Board; and whether offers made by reputable firms whose financial standing has been accepted by the Disposal Board have been refused in favour of offers subsequently made by favoured firms at a lower average price?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYIn reply to the first part of the question, the system is that of considering all offers which the Board1854W receive for the sale of the vehicles in situ and of accepting the highest offer obtainable, provided that the price offered compares favourably with the average prices realised at home, regard being had to the fact that the cost of guarding and of transport would fall on the purchaser, and that the firm making the offer is of satisfactory financial standing. With regard to the other parts of the question, no preferential treatment is given to particular firms. If my hon. and gallant Friend would furnish mo with particulars of the cases on which the latter parts of the question are based, I should be glad to make full inquiries into the matter.
§ Lieut.-Colonel BURGOYNEasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions how many motor vehicles have been disposed of to Messrs. G. E. Duerden and Mr. T. H. Webb, of the Olympia Engineering Works, Burnley: on whose behalf have these been purchased; whether these gentlemen obtained a commission on each vehicle they purchased; and the names of the principals for whom they act as commission agents?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYNo motor vehicles have been sold by the Disposal Board to Messrs. G. E. Duerden or Mr. T. H. Webb. of the Olympia Engineering Works, Burnley. Seventy-six vehicles have, however, been sold to the Lancashire and Yorkshire Motor Transport Association, for which Mr. T. H. Webb signed. No commission was paid by the Disposal Board in respect of any of these vehicles.