§ 63. Mr. LOUIS SMITHasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether his attention has been called to the cases in which sub-contracts of Government contracts are being placed abroad, either in part or as a whole; and whether he will investigate the possibility of ensuring that all such work, financed by national resources, is placed at home for the encouragement of British employment?
Mr. SAMUELGovernment Departments place contracts within the limits of their own authority without reference to the Treasury. I understand that, as far as is practicable, they apply to subcontracts the same principles as govern their stipulations for British materials in 1948 main contracts. But if my hon. Friend will give me particulars of the cases on which his question is based I will have inquiry made.