HC Deb 19 December 1927 vol 212 cc11-2
22. Mr. H. WILLIAMS

(for Mr. HANNON) asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that, on the stand of the Ministry at the recent Smithfield show, refrigerating plant made in a foreign country was employed; and whether such plant is obtainable in this country; and under what circumstances preference has been given to a foreign exhibit?

Mr. GUINNESS

I am advised that automatic refrigerating plant, of the type required and made entirely in this country, was not on the market when arrangements were made to use the plant referred to by my hon. Friend, which was lent and operated, free of charge, by a firm that is incorporated in Canada and has behind it considerable British capital. I may add that a substantial part of the plant was, in fact, made in this country by British labour. I need hardly say that I should be glad to consider an application from any British firm who would care to undertake free of all cost to the State the supply and management of automatic refrigerating plant of the kind required by my Department.

Mr. HARRIS

Is not a Canadian firm a British firm?