§ 2. Major COLVILLEasked the Lord Privy Seal if he has issued instructions to local authorities carrying out State-aided relief schemes that British materials only shall be used on such schemes?
Mr. THOMASYes, Sir. A circular has been issued to local authorities, in which, among the conditions governing Government grants for approved schemes of work to relieve unemployment, it is laid down that all materials which are required for assisted works shall, so far as practicable, be of United Kingdom origin, and all manufactured articles shall be of United Kingdom manufacture, subject, however, to such exceptions as may be found to be necessary or desirable in any particular case having regard to all the circumstances, including the comparative price of British and foreign articles.
§ Mr. SMITHERSHow does the right hon. Gentleman reconcile that policy with the policy of the Chancellor of the Exchequer to remove the Safeguarding of Industries Duties?
§ Major COLVILLEDo I understand from the answer that the circular has gone out to the local authorities?
§ Mr. SMITHERSMay I have an answer to my question?
§ Mr. DAYHas the right hon. Gentleman had any objections from local authorities saying that they cannot comply with the circular?
§ Mr. EVERARDDoes this mean that if the foreign article is cheaper, the Government are going to buy the English?