§ Mr. Sharpasked the Minister of Supply what receipts have been obtained from the sale of surplus machine tools: what is the approximate value of the stocks still held and the current rate of disposal; how many centres are still in use for distribution and storage, respectively; and what reductions are now proposed.
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§ Mr. G. R. StraussCash receipts from the disposal of machine tools up to the end of April, 1949, were about £45,000,000. About 2,000 machines of an estimated disposal value of £400,000 await disposal. Since January the rate of clearance has averaged 1,100 a month. Two remaining sale centres will be closed at the end of June and we expect to clear the present stock, which is distributed among seven depots, by auction within about two months. Limited space may be required for the receipt and sale of further surpluses.