HC Deb 01 March 1956 vol 549 c150W
60. Mr. Dodds

asked the Minister of Supply if he is aware that electrical equipment and machine tools, of a kind urgently required by universities and training colleges, are to be disposed of at a public auction sale at Melton Mowbray on 8th and 9th March; and, in view of the need for more trained technicians, what action has been taken to ensure that universities and colleges were given an opportunity to acquire this surplus stock before a decision was taken to dispose of it by public auction.

Mr. Erroll

Under long-standing arrangements, if universities and technical colleges consider that their needs might be met from Government surpluses they may send details of their requirements to the Ministry of Supply and, if suitable surpluses are available, sales are made by direct negotiation.