§ 104. Mr. G. Thomasasked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware of a price ring operating at auction sales sponsored by his Department of scrap military equipment in this country; and what action he is taking.
§ Mr. MaudlingI have no evidence that price rings are operating at the Ministry's auction sales, but steps, which I prefer not to publicise, are taken to guard against the possibility.
§ 105. Mr. G. Thomasasked the Minister of Supply what assurances his Department requires concerning the bona fides of dealers in surplus military equipment.
§ Mr. MaudlingThe commercial and financial standing of buyers of surplus military equipment is investigated, except where goods are sold by public auction. Warlike stores and munitions are not ordinarily sold in this manner.