Sale Of Army Vehicles

Northern Advocate, 14 September 1944, Page 2

Sale Of Army Vehicles

(P-AJ WELLINGTON, This Day

In ihe House ol' Representatives yesterday Mr J. T. Watts (Oppn.-Riecar-ton) raised the question of the correctness of the reply by the Minister for Supply to a question by Mr R. G Gerard (Oppn.-Mid.-Canterbury) regarding the sale of motorcars to officers in the Southern Military District at prices allegedly below the market value. He pointed out that there was a discrepancy between the Minister’s statement that the two valuations had been disputed and the report of the Auditor-General of six transactions below the independent valuation.

Mr Sullivan said his answer ' was correct and honest in that the only cases brought to his attention were the two mentioned in the answer. After the Auditor-General had considered the valuation by the officers he had apparently decided that there were two cases upon which he should report to the Government. He had done so. and on no others. Mr Fraser said the matter had been brought before him. It was investigated and he was not satisfied that everything was in order and had asked that a report be sent to the AuditorGeneral to enable the latter to take any action he thought fit. There was no attempt to shield anyone. If everything was not above board those responsible should be dealt with, and where re-sales had -been made at a prefit, action should be taken to recover that profit.