§ 17. Mr. HANNONasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the West Riding County Council have recently purchased a quantity of railway material and wagon works of foreign manufacture for use in the State-aided relief schemes under their jurisdiction; and whether he will consider the introduction of Regulations whereby State-aided relief schemes, resulting from the necessity of finding employment for the large number of men 394 at present out of work in this country, should be entirely supplied with plant and accessories manufactured in Great Britain?
§ The MINISTER of TRANSPORT (Mr. Gosling)I have been asked to answer this question. I became aware of the purchase of the plant, to which the hon. Member refers, after the estimate had been accepted by the West Riding County Council. As inquiry showed that in the case of some items the prices quoted for British plant were no less than 50 per cent. above the foreign quotation, I did not feel justified in withholding approval of the Council's action. It will be seen that the circumstances in this case were exceptional. I may add that one of the conditions now attached to all grants made from the Road Fund towards road works expedited for the relief of unemployment is that, not only must all contracts be placed in this country, but all materials and plant used must be of British manufacture, unless the Minister of Transport agrees otherwise. While every effort should be made to assist home industries local authorities must be able to protect themselves against possible combinations to keep up prices.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYAnd from protected countries.
§ Mr. HANNONIs the hon. aware that German firms are writing to the muncipal authorities of this country calling attention to the reduction of the export duty from 26½ per cent, to 5 per cent., and offering cheaper materials on this account?
§ Mr. DICKSONCan the Minister of Transport tell us whether the personnel of the West Riding County Council is Socialist or anti-Socialist?
§ Mr. REMERIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the Lord Privy Seal made a most definite statement in this House in reply to a question that no money would be advanced of any kind unless the materials were bought in this country?
§ Mr. GOSLINGI do not think that is what he said. I am all for doing the work in this country, but local bodies, and, in fact, everybody else, ought to he protected against rings.