§ 58. Mr. HARMSWORTHasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that the Central Electricity Board are permitting foreign tenders to be offered for the Scottish electricity scheme; and whether the Treasury will notify the Board that Treasury guarantees will be withheld in respect of capital raised by the Board unless tendering is restricted to British firms?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe suggested restriction on Treasury guarantees of Electricity Board loans was proposed to the Standing Committee which considered the Electricity (Supply) Bill last year, and an Amendment to give effect to such restriction was rejected by the Committee after full discussion. In these circumstances, I am not prepared to take the action suggested in the last part of the question. I am glad, however, to be able to state that I understand that, as a result of the tenders which have been received for the transmission lines under the Scottish scheme, the Electricity Board has decided that the contract shall be placed with one or other of the British firms tendering.
§ Mr. HANNONIs it not a most vicious principle to admit into the administration of the Central Electricity Board, and should not preference be given to British manufacturers for these contracts?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe House has already decided that question.