§ 7. Mr. C. WHITEasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the Government of India has recently placed an order for 5,000 binoculars with a French firm; and whether he will suggest to the respective Governments in the overseas Dominions and Crown Colonies that where British goods are equal in quality and price preference might be given to British products?
§ Mr. BALDWINI would refer, as regards the first part of the question, to the answer given by the Under-Secretary for India to the hon. Member for the Newton Division of Lancashire on 29th March; and as regards the second part, to the Resolution on Imperial preference passed by the Imperial War Conference in 1917. I have no evidence that the principle laid down in this Resolution has not been acted upon.
§ Mr. KILEYCan the right hon. Gentleman give an explanation why, if these goods can be made in Great Britain equal to the foreign article, the Indian Government placed this order in another country?
§ Mr. BALDWINIf the hon. Member will refer to the first answer I gave, he will find his question answered.