10. Mr. L'ESTRANGE MALONEasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any diplomatic or other assistance has been rendered to the firm of Sir Robert McAlpine and Sons, Limited, in obtaining contracts for reconstruction work at the port of Piraeus, near Athens; if so, what was the nature of that assistance: and whether any negotiations are being similarly conducted in regard to contracts in those parts of Turkey now occupied by Greece?
Mr. HARMSWORTHTenders were invited by the Greek Government in 1918 from three British groups, one of whom was Sir Robert McAlpine and Sons, Limited, for a contract to reconstruct the Piraeus harbour works. Subsequently a fourth British firm was invited to compete. His Majesty's Minister at Athens received instructions to give all British firms of good standing equal support. The assistance given was such as is usual in cases of British firms desiring to obtain contracts from foreign Governments. I have no information in regard to the last part of this question.
Mr. MALONEHave any of these contracts been responsible for the British policy in supporting the Greek Imperialist aims?
§ Colonel ASHLEYIs it not quite right and proper that British Ministers should support their nationals in obtaining concessions?