§ 50. Mr. T. KENNEDYasked the Prime Minister if the payment of subsidy on Weir houses is subject to any safeguard against the use of materials or fittings of foreign origin; and if he will inquire whether Messrs. Weir use British baths, rain water pipes and gutters, and steel in the houses erected by that firm?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for SCOTLAND (Sir John Gilmour)Under the Housing Act, 1924, the Government are prohibited from discriminating against imported goods in any scheme on which subsidy is being paid under that Act. I understand that hitherto a certain proportion of the baths provided in houses erected by Messrs. Weir have not been of British make, but that the rainwater pipes and gutters have been of British manufacture. British steel will be used in all houses erected by Messrs. Weir for the Scottish National Housing Company.
§ Mr. KENNEDYArising out of the right hon. Gentleman's answer, I desire to raise a point of Order. The question on the Paper is not, either in form or in substance, the question which I handed in. My question referred specifically to the use of German baths, German drainpipes and gutters, and Belgian steel and I wish to ask the right hon. Gentleman if he can answer those specific points.
§ Mr. SPEAKERI will inquire what are the reasons for the change in the question.
§ Captain WEDGWOOD BENNIs not the only way to protect those who want houses from rings and trusts in this country to throw open the ports to supplies from any source?
§ Sir J. GILMOURWith regard to the question of baths, I know that Lord Weir is very anxious to put in British baths, but it is a question of the price which is quoted.
§ Mr. HARRISIs there not a combine already in connection with the construction of baths in this country, and is that not the reason for the high price?
Sir F. HALLIs it not advisable even that a little more money should be paid for these baths, in order that British workmen may be employed?