Mr. ALFRED T. DAVIESasked the President of the Board of Trade what is the approximate value of surplus war stores in this country and in France; whether it is proposed to realise the value of these during the present financial year; and what classes of goods form the bulk of such stores?
Mr. YOUNGI have been asked to answer this question. With regard to the first part of the question, it is impossible, especially in view of the fluctuations of current market conditions, to give an estimate of the value of surplus war stores remaining unsold in this country. As to France, only about £100,000 worth at present remains for sale. With regard to the second part of the question, it is, of course, the object of the Disposal and Liquidation Commission to complete the sale of all stocks as quickly as possible, but it is obviously impossible to give any guarantee that realisation will be finished during the present financial year. A reference to "Surplus," the official organ of the Disposal Board, is the best means of ascertaining the classes of goods forming the bulk of unsold stores, and I am sending a copy to my hon. Friend.