§ Mr. HURDasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions what steps are taken when arranging sales of Government surplus property in various parts of the country to ensure that every possible consideration is given to the claims of ex-service auctioneers whose business qualifications are fully attested?
Mr. HOPEAs I have stated in the House on a previous occasion, special care has been taken by the Disposal Board to obtain accurate information through the Auctioneers' Institute, and otherwise, as to the qualifications of auctioneers throughput the country. Such information includes particulars of the War service record of individuals, and it has always been the policy of the Board to give employment to those firms whose members have a good record of War service. My hon. Friend, however, must realise that no absolute rule can be laid down, inasmuch as the sale of certain classes of goods can only be successfully carried through by auctioneers who have specialised in those lines.