§ Sir ROWLAND BLADESasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the War Office has arranged to dispose of the Queensferry electricity plant, building, and land to the City of Chester for £54,000, and that another offer has been made to purchase the factory, and that the present sale is being entered into without any opportunity being given to others to tender for the factory; and is he prepared to sanction the sale of Government property for about one-third of its value without giving other willing buyers the opportunity of making higher offers for the property?
3371W
§ Mr. BALDWINFor over a year the Queensferry factory has been advertised for sale in one lot, but no reasonable offer has ever been received; consequently the factory is being disposed of piece-meal to the best advantage and the power house, plant and site have been sold by the Disposal Board to the Chester Corporation for £54,000, subject to the approval of the Electricity Commissioners. The price of £54,000 was the best obtainable. The corporation is at present obtaining current from this source under a three years' agreement which has not yet expired. The Disposal Board is willing to consider any reasonable offer to purchase the remainder of the factory.