§ Captain REDMONDAsked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will give the details of the valuation of item, Stock at end of period, amounting to £579,699 17s., as appearing in the Total breaking-down statement for the year ended 31st March, 1920, page 14, of the Ministry of Munitions Appropriation Account, 1919–20 (White Paper, No. 102)?
Mr. HILTON YOUNGI regret that it is not at the moment possible to furnish the details asked for by the hon. and gallant Member. The stock in question comprises a very large number of items for a statement of the separate valuation of which it would be necessary to investigate the files relating to the particular factories concerned, and in the process of liquidating the Ministry of Munitions these files have been removed from the offices of the department store. It is, however, possible to say that the major portion of the stock consists of residual brass, copper, steel and iron, and lead; and that the basis of the valuation figure was the market price of the scrap or other material at date of production.
1710WI am informed that to furnish the details asked for would be a somewhat laborious task, probably occupying the full time of an officer for at least a week, but if the hon. and gallant Member is particularly anxious for a statement, I will arrange that one shall be furnished for him.