§ 85. Mr. Donnerasked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that surplus military stores, equipment and clothing continue to be sold to the public in substantial quantities; if this is done with his authority; and how the prices at which these goods were sold to the present vendors correspond to the cost of their production.
§ Mr. StracheyYes. I am aware that stores, equipment and clothing, which, in the past, have been handed over to the Ministry of Supply as surplus to Army requirements, continue to be sold to the public. The actual disposal of these materials will have been effected by the Ministry of Supply. I understand that they are sold by the Ministry at the highest price obtainable in open competition. Comparisons with original prices, therefore, would serve no useful purpose, and no records are kept.