§ 18. Mr. HARRISONasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in reference to the proposed loan for development in East Africa, there will be any stipulation that contracts for materials for which the loan will be raised must be placed with British manu- 606 facturers, or that tenders from British manufacturers must be given priority of consideration?
§ Major HENNESSYMy right hon. Friend does not think that the actual insertion in the proposed Loan Guarantee Bill of the stipulation suggested is necessary, but he can assure my hon. Friend that, subject to any items of an exceptional character not easily procurable here or of exceptional unforeseen circumstances, it certainly is the intention of the Government that all contracts for the equipment of the railways and other public works provided out of the guaranteed loan shall be placed with British manufacturers.
§ Mr. WARDLAW-MILNEIf it would not be possible to make a stipulation, would it be possible to have some arrangement by which, if a tender passed from this country, a definite statement of the reasons should be given to somebody representing the Government so that the necessity for the action should be justified in this House, if required?
§ Major HENNESSYPerhaps my hon. Friend will put that question down.