§ Mr. Marplesasked the Minister of Works what builders' materials he has in stores surplus to his requirements which can now be disposed of throughout the building industry.
§ Mr. TomlinsonMy Department takes over responsibility for building materials declared surplus by other Departments, and disposes of them, as a continuous process. Goods are disposed of where they stand, and are not taken into central Ministry of Works' Depots. According to circumstances they are either offered to local housing authorities; sold by public auction; or disposed of to bona fide merchants. The lists of goods for disposal are prepared locally. So far as my own Ministry's stocks are concerned, in general purchases are made to meet current requirements only. Should surpluses become available they are immediately disposed of.