§ 103. Mr. Collinsasked the Minister of Supply if he is aware that in July, 1946, Messrs. Bell Brothers, Wellington, Somerset, having received an urgent request from the Director of Medical Supplies to increase their output of penicillin vials and other glassware, commenced negotiations with the disposals branch for the purchase of surplus glass-working machinery which was available in the neighbourhood; that letters, telephone calls and personal visits to London and elsewhere have failed to produce a result; that the firm have been forced to inquire for similar machinery in the U.S.A.; whether the machines for which cheques were sent last January will be supplied; and whether the other offers have been accepted or declined.
§ Mr. WilmotThis machinery is of a type needed by Government Departments and research and educational establishments and until recently none has been available for other users. One machine has already been sold to Messrs. Bell Brothers and they will be invited to tender for the remainder which are being offered for sale immediately.