§ 25. Mr. G. HALLasked the President of the Board of Education whether he has received representation from the Mountain Ash and District Chamber of Trade regarding the purchase by the Lord Mayor's committee of a large quantity of boots and clothing at Cardiff, which was afterwards sent to Mountain Ash for distribution; is he aware that it is claimed by the Mountain Ash tradesmen that they can offer practically the same prices and better value for the goods purchased; and will he call the attention 2244 of the Lord Mayor's committee to the need of purchasing, as far as possible, all goods locally, thereby assisting the tradesmen who are suffering hardship owing to the continued depression?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of EDUCATION (Lord Eustace Percy)I have not received any representations on this matter from the Mountain Ash and District Chamber of Trade. The question whether goods should be purchased locally or centrally is one, in the first instance, for the Divisional Committee administering the Fund in the area concerned. I am informed that the Central Committee in London have had the position in South Wales under review, and they are fully satisfied with the action taken by the Cardiff Divisional Committee in this matter.
§ Mr. MARDY JONESDo they give the local tradespeople an opportunity to tender?
§ Lord E. PERCYI should like to ask for notice of any details of procedure.