49. Mr. T. THOMSONasked the Prime Minister whether the Government have yet considered how far they are going to continue the restrictions of their predecessors in refusing to allow local authorities to purchase any materials required for unemployment works from abroad when the home supplies are controlled by rings and combines, and the 670 prices demanded are 10 per cent. and over higher than those ruling in the open market?
Mr. GREENWOODI have been asked to answer this question. My right hon. Friend is not yet in a position to add anything to the reply given to the hon. Member by the Leader of the House on the 19th February, but he hopes that it will be possible to announce the decision of the Government at an early date.
Mr. THOMSONWill the hon. Gentleman make representations to the Prime Minister? The delay is causing considerable expense to local authorities. Could they expedite a decision?
Mr. GREENWOODThe matter was only recently raised in the House of Commons. It has been under consideration since.
§ Colonel ASHLEYWill the hon. Gentleman bear in mind, in considering this matter, that there is not much good using public money to relieve unemployment in this country if a great proportion of the money is to go abroad?