asked the Minister of Supply, what is the total value of Government surplus stores in India and Egypt, shown separately; and what are the arrangements for their disposal.

All surplus stores in India were transferred on 1st April to the Government of India who are responsible or their disposal; the price to be paid for them has not yet been fixed. As regards Egypt, substantial surplus stocks have yet to be disposed of, but it is not possible to give an estimate of their value. Disposal is carried out by my Department's Disposal Mission. Stores in short supply in this country are returned here, and the remainder are sold locally, mainly by auction or tender.

Will my right hon. Friend use his best endeavours to get a rather better bargain for this country for these surplus stores than was the case of those disposed of in Italy and Greece?

We shall get the best bargain we can.

Is it not a trifle unorthodox to transfer wholesale large quantities of goods without deciding beforehand how much is wanted for them?

In some cases, this is the best method of disposal.