29. Captain BENNasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he is aware that the Nairobi Municipal Council advertised for tenders for water-piping; that the German offer was £1,800 less than the British figure on an estimated £4,000 purchase; that the Nairobi Council decided to accept the German tender provided the terms of the proposed loan of £10,000,000 to East Africa contain no stipulation that goods purchased by means of this loan must be obtained in the United Kingdom; and if he will say when it is proposed to lay upon the Table of the House the terms upon which this proposed loan will be made?
§ Mr. AMERYI have no information regarding the first part of the question, beyond what is in the local Press. As regards the latter part, the advance to the Nairobi Municipality will be met from a future loan by the Kenya Government which will form part of the Colony's borrowings for services other than transport, and has nothing to do with the proposed East African guaranteed loan. The proposals of the Government with regard to the latter loan will be available to the House at a very early date.
§ Colonel APPLINMay I ask whether it is not the first principle of Free Trade to buy in the cheapest market?
§ Mr. AMERYI never suggested that my hon. and gallant Friend who asked the question could have any other purpose in view.
§ Mr. RADFORDMay I ask my right hon. Friend whether, in deciding the terms of the £10,000,000 guaranteed loan, he will take into account the feeling in this country that we should not guarantee any money which is not to be expended in this country?
§ Mr. J. JONESWill the Minister consider giving the same terms to West Ham?