asked the Minister for Defence if he will state the number of public auctions of military vehicles and materials held in Athlone Military Barracks since the termination of the emergency and if he will state in respect of each auction (a) the amount of auctioneer's fees paid by purchasers; (b) to whom these fees were paid; (c) whether each auctioneer was paid the full five per cent. auctioneer's fees; and (d) if not paid the full five per cent. fees on what percentage return did each auctioneer agree to carry out the sale.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Auctions of Military Materials.
Since the termination on the 2nd September, 1946, of the state of emergency declared under Defence Forces (Temporary Provisions) (No. 2) Act, 1940, one public auction of military stores was held in Athlone. Purchasers were required to pay five per cent. auctioneer's fees. It is not in the public interest to disclose the remaining information requested by the Deputy.
Is the Minister in a position to say that the five per cent. paid as auctioneer's fees was paid, in fact, to the auctioneer?
If the Deputy puts down a question in more general terms, without specific reference to a particular place or person, I will give him all the information that he seeks; but, as there was only one auction held, obviously the reply would refer to one person only.
I am mainly concerned to ascertain whether the five per cent. auctioneer's fees which was collected from purchasers was, in fact, paid by the Department to the auctioneer, or whether the Department made a bargain with the auctioneer and retained portion of that commission.
If the Deputy asks for that information in a general way he will get all he is trying to get in a specific way.
I will put the question down again.