asked the Secretary of State for War why material, plant and equipment capable of being used in the present defence expansion programme for the equipment of camps and the training of troops is being offered for sale by public auction on 21st February at the Command Engineers Depot, Canterbury.

The majority of these stores were unserviceable. The remainder were of obsolete pattern and were no longer of use.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that included in the sale were 1,300 gallons of wood preservative, 9,000 lb. of paint, 35 gallons of varnish. 800 quires of target paper and 230 targets? Does he not think that it is a waste of the taxpayers' money to sell things which are serviceable and useful?

In the judgment of the competent authorities, they were not serviceable and useful.