HC Deb 20 July 1925 vol 186 cc1826-7
56. Sir F. SYKES

asked the Prime Minister whether instructions have been given to Government Departments relative to the use of British material in Government contracts; whether these include any degree of financial preference in respect of such material and any form of reconsideration by suitably qualified persons or bodies of any individual in- sistence on foreign materials by the technical advisers of Government Departments; and, if not, whether he can see his way to cause such regulations to be drawn up and issued?

Mr. GUINNESS

I am sending the hon. and gallant Member copies of the Treasury Circulars of the 3rd February, 1919, and the 16th January, 1924, which contain the instructions to Government Departments in the matter. He will see that effective preference is to be given to British products in contracts by the Departments. Only in exceptional cases are orders placed with foreign manufacturers and such cases are subjected to special review in the Departments before orders are given.

Mr. THURTLE

Will the right hon. Gentleman supply other hon. Members with copies?

Mr. GUINNESS

I should be glad to send copies to any hon. Member who tells me that he would like to receive them.