§ 27. Lieut.-Colonel CROFTasked the Prime Minister if he will give instructions 1713 to all State Departments to order only British goods so long as there is unemployment in this country?
§ The PRIME MINISTERGeneral instructions are already in force to give preference in contracts by British Government Departments to products of the Empire. It would not be possible to lay down a universal rule framed in the terms of the question, as certain foreign products have to be imported; but the Government are in full sympathy with its general tenor.
§ Lieut.-Colonel CROFTIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this practice has not been followed in the Post Office, but that, whereas British pencils were used during the latter part of the War period, they are once more buying from the United States?
§ Mr. BILLINGWill the right hon. Gentleman call for a report from all his Departments, and lay it on the Table of this House, - as to what, if any, foreign goods they are purchasing which could be purchased in this country?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI will consider that.
§ Mr. LAMBERTWill the right hon. Gentleman consider the British taxpayer too?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI think we should be considering the British taxpayer by seeing that they get employment instead of unemployment benefit.
§ Commander Sir E. NICHOLLWill the right hon. Gentleman use his influence with the President of the Board of Trade to see that foreign imports from recent enemy countries are marked so that people shall not be disappointed when they buy something which they think is English, but which is really foreign?