asked the Minister of Supply what steps are taken to inform the public of forthcoming auctions of Government surplus stores.

Forthcoming auctions are advertised weekly in the "Board of Trade Journal," in London, provincial and local newspapers, and in appropriate trade journals. In addition, Press notices are issued, and posters exhibited, giving the name and address of the auctioneer from whom detailed catalogues may be obtained. Local chambers of commerce are also notified of sales in their areas.

Having regard to the fact that many of these items of surplus Government stores are in very short sup- ply just now, will the Minister assure the House that he is doing everything he can to arrange for these sales to be held as quickly and as often as possible?

Every possible step is being taken.

Is the Minister aware that there is much criticism of his Department that the sale of these stores is, in fact, much too slow; and is he aware that if he were able to dispose of them more quickly two results would follow: first, he would be able to get rid of a number of civil servants more quickly than he does; and, secondly, the public would be able to benefit from the supply thus made available?

The sale of these surpluses has been speeded up very greatly during the last year. I think that if the noble Lord were to look at the number of auctions taking place every week he would see that very good sales are taking place.