§ 65. Mr. BECKERasked the Prime Minister whether, having regard to the large numbers of people who are still unemployed in this country, he proposes to introduce legislation to limit or control expenditure of national, county, or municipal money in the purchase of goods from abroad which can be produced in this country?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe Government are not prepared to introduce legislation on these lines which, in our opinion, proceed on profoundly mistaken economic doctrines, would penalise the tax and ratepayer and seriously cripple municipal activities. As regards the extent to and the circumstances under which preference is at present given to British tenders, I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to a question by the hon. Member for the Isle of Thanet on Monday last.
§ Mr. BECKERDoes the right hon. Gentleman prefer that municipalities should buy their goods abroad? Does he like that?