§ 30. Sir R. THOMASasked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he is aware that the Turkish Government is engaged upon a great campaign of road and railway building and irrigation; whether his Department has made efforts to obtain for British industry a share of the business which will result from this; and what important contracts, if any, have recently been secured in Turkey by British firms?
§ Mr. DOUGLAS HACKING (Secretary, Overseas Trade Department)The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second and third parts, the Department of Overseas Trade has always circulated to British firms particulars of public contracts in Turkey, but I fear that few important contracts have recently been secured in Turkey by British firms owing chiefly, I understand, to the financial conditions not meeting with their approval.
§ Sir R. THOMASDoes not the hon. Gentleman think it is amazing that British firms have not secured some part of this work, having regard to the facilities obtainable under the Trade Facilities Act? Is he aware that Ismet Pasha stated in the Turkish Assembly last week that 20,000 labourers are now at work in Turkey constructing six railways, and, independent of that, road building—
§ Mr. SPEAKERIt seems to me that the hon. Member is giving information, not seeking it.
§ Sir R. THOMASWith all respect, Sir, I think this is a very important subject.
§ Sir R. THOMASI am sure Mr. Speaker will keep me in order if I get out of order. We have the Trade Facilities Act for the purpose of assisting British trade, and it seems to me amazing—
§ Mr. SPEAKERQuestion Time ought not to be used as an opportunity for expressing opinions.