HC Deb 26 June 1930 vol 240 cc1346-7
87. Mr. WALKER

asked the Minister of Transport whether local authorities prohibit the use of foreign steel on grant-aided bridgework?

Mr. C. EDWARDS

I have been asked to reply. It is one of the conditions of grants from the Road Fund towards the cost of works expedited for the relief of unemployment that all materials shall, so far as practicable, be of United Kingdom origin and all manufactured articles of United Kingdom manufacture. Lcoal authorities have also been urged to extend this principle as widely as possible in connection with all expenditure on highways. My hon. Friend has no reason to suppose that this condition is not being complied with in the case of grant-aided bridge works.

Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLE

Is that reply in conformity with the Government's declared policy on Free Trade?

Mr. EDWARDS

I must leave that matter to the Minister.

Captain WATERHOUSE

Will the hon. Gentleman take steps to assure himself that no foreign steel whatever is used in these bridges; and is he not of the opinion that it is just as absurd to use foreign steel in these bridges as it would be to import foreign labour to do unemployment work?

Mr. EDWARDS

I will convey that remark to my hon. Friend.

Captain GUNSTON

Will the hon. Gentleman also convey it to the Chancellor of the Exchequer?