§ Major HILLSasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, shortly after the Armistice, a valuation, or estimate of value, was officially obtained of the Tanganyika properties now about to be sold; whether the value or estimate was £5,000,000; whether, seeing that the sale of these properties has been placed in the hands of one man, Mr. Moynagh, any steps are being taken, and, if so, what, to secure that the properties realise their full value; whether reserves are to be placed on the different properties; and, if so, who is to settle them and, generally, who is to supervise Mr. Moynagh in the sale of this territory?
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§ Mr. CHURCHILLNo such valuation was obtained. The auctioneer is merely the agent, acting under instructions of the Custodian of Enemy Property in the territory. The conditions of sale, based on Proclamations Nos. 3 and 23 of 1920, provide, among other things, that the Custodian may fix reserve prices and withdraw any property or part thereof from sale either without or after offering it for competition. The sales are supervised by the Custodian and, in accordance with the provisions of the Proclamations, all sales are widely advertised, both locally and in England, three months before they take place.