HC Deb 05 March 1930 vol 236 c430
62. Mr. LOUIS SMITH

asked the Minister of Transport the nature of the means at his disposal by which he can ensure that local authorities shall in all specifications for road construction and road repair work specify that only British materials are permissible?

The MINISTER of TRANSPORT (Mr. Herbert Morrison)

The condition as to the use of materials of United Kingdom origin is confined to works expedited for the relief of unemployment, though I encourage the same policy in respect of all works. It is the duty of the Department's divisional road engineers to draw my attention to any case that comes to their notice of contravention of a condition attached to a grant from the Road Fund.

Mr. ANEURIN BEVAN

If any additional cost is involved to local authorities in carrying out the instructions of the Ministry of Transport, will the Minister, as it is a decision of the House, increase the grant accordingly?

Mr. MORRISON

That would form part of the original negotiations.