HC Deb 12 December 1927 vol 211 c1831
24. Mr. HANNON

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is taking appropriate steps to secure that purchases of material required for development purposes in Palestine, following the flotation of the Palestine loan, as guaranteed by His Majesty's Government, will, so far as possible, be made in this country?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

I am not able to add to the full statement on this point which my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State made in Debate during the passage of the Bill on 9th December, 1926.

Mr. HANNON

Will the right hon. Gentleman take some steps to keep in touch with British manufacturers so that they may have the advantage of any development that may take place?

Mr. ORMSBY - GORE

As was explained in Debate, every opportunity is taken invariably by the Crown Government and every preference is given to British manufacturers. The matter has been raised at Geneva, but it is impossible to give an absolute guarantee.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Is any preference given to Palestinian growers of fruit on importation to this country?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

No.

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