48. Lieutenant - Colonel LOWTHERasked the Prime Minister whether he is in a position to lay upon the Table of the House any records of the factories, works, mines, concessions, businesses, and contracts obtained since the Armistice by American contractors and concessionaires, outside their own country, but more particularly in Europe; and, if not, whether he will at once appoint a committee to examine the whole subject?
Mr. HARMSWORTHThe Department of Overseas Trade (Development and Intelligence) watches with great interest all developments of American and other foreign business in countries abroad, but no complete records of the nature indi- 584 cated in the hon. and gallant Member's question can be laid upon the Table. I am, however, calling for detailed reports on the subject.
Lieutenant-Colonel LOWTHERWill the Government consider the advisability of establishing a Works Committee to consider the best ways and means for securing to British enterprise and British labour a fair share of the mammoth reconstruction works necessitated by the War.
Mr. KENNEDY JONESWill the hon. Gentleman at the same time submit the suggestion that in order to secure a proper share of that trade we ought immediately to appoint some one besides the President of the Board of Trade in order to see that we get it?
Lieutenant-Colonel LOWTHERWill the hon. Gentleman really look into the matter at once as it is one of great importance?