HC Deb 02 December 1946 vol 431 cc13-4W
98. Mr. Jennings

asked the Minister of Works whether he is aware that Government Departments are disposing of cutlery by public auction; that new cutlery stated to be surplus Government stocks is offered for sale in Press advertisements; and why, at the same time, his Department has just issued a tender No. P7/A1/7483 for upwards of 1,000,000 pieces of cutlery.

Mr. Tomlinson

The disposal of surplus cutlery is a matter for the Ministry of Supply, and by arrangement with that Department, my Ministry is given the opportunity of selecting, from surplus stocks before disposal, any cutlery suitable for Government use. The tender referred to provides for needs which cannot be met from surplus stocks.