§ 48. Mr. CRAWFURDasked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the existence of trusts and combines in the industries which supply material for building, he will take such steps as are within his power to induce local authorities who have housing and other building schemes to give to firms outside such trusts and combines equally with those within them opportunities to tender for the supply of such building material?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI have no reason to suppose that local authorities are not fully aware of the importance of securing that specifications for houses and other buildings which they propose to erect should provide for the widest practicable choice of materials with a view to obtaining the most advantageous prices, and I do not think that any special action on my part is called for.
§ Mr. CRAWFURDWill the right hon. Gentleman make a point of seeing that 2101 this question is brought home to the local authorities, and, in view of the fact that some local authorities by the action of the Government are precluded from insisting upon their employés belonging to trade unions, will he insist that the same local authorities shall give an equal chance to firms outside rings and combines?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI see no reason to assume that local authorities are devoid of business instincts and principles.