HC Deb 19 May 1927 vol 206 cc1347-8
22. Mr. LUMLEY

asked the Minister of Health whether he will consider the possibility of requiring a clause to be inserted in the housing contracts made by local authorities with building contractors that where possible building materials should be purchased in this country?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

Section 10 of the Housing (Financial Provisions) Act, 1924, provides that, in approving proposals for the construction of houses, the Minister of Health shall not impose any conditions which would prevent the materials required being purchased in the cheapest market at home or abroad. The Government have, however, urged local authorities to arrange that all contracts for, or incidental to, works carried out by them should, in the absence of special circumstances, be placed in this country.

Mr. R. MORRISON

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that there is no intention on the part of local authorities to place orders for building materials until they are satisfied that there are no rings or combines for fixing prices in this country?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

That seems to assume that a price-fixing association must necessarily fix prices at an unreasonable level.

Sir H. CROFT

May I ask whether it is not inconsistent that, while the State and municipalities are assisting by way of subsidy house construction, orders for materials should be placed abroad, thus increasing the unemployment in this country; and will he not take fresh steps to secure that these contracts are placed in this country?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

The only step I could take would be to bring in fresh legislation.

Mr. HARRIS

May I ask whether it is not the fact that the London County Council, which is a protectionist body, has been compelled, owing to high prices, to buy its bricks and tiles from the Continent, thus saving 30 per cent. on the price?