HC Deb 09 July 1946 vol 425 c50W
89. Mr. T. Lewis

asked the Minister of Works whether he is aware that, on 2nd April, his Regional Disposal Officer at Reading informed the Southampton Town Council that Orlit hutting was available for immediate disposal and, if the council was interested, fuller details would be furnished; and that, although a reply was sent on the following day that the town council was particularly interested and several telephone inquiries have since been made, no information as to price or any further details has been received; and if he will now have this matter expedited.

Mr. Tomlinson

At the time of the original communication it was thought that it would be possible to sell this hutting direct to priority customers, but it was later disclosed that large portions of the stock consisted of hut parts and not complete huts and direct sales would be difficult as they would involve the sorting and rearrangement of very heavy components. Accordingly the stock has now been sold to the manufacturers of the butting, and all applications in the hands of my Department have been transferred to them. I can only express regret that the officer concerned in my Department did not notify the Southampton Town Council when it first became plain that negotiations with them could not he carried further.