§ 33. Captain P. MACDONALDasked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department what is the constitution of the Committee of the League of Nations which decides what firms shall be included in the register of persons invited to tender for building and other contracts; what steps are taken to insure that British interests are properly represented; and how many British firms are registered and for what classes of work?
§ Mr. W. R. SMITHThe Building Committee appointed in accordance with Assembly resolution of 25th September, 1924, to supervise the work of construction of the new League of Nations buildings comprises two members of the secretariat, one member of the International Labour Office and four external members, namely, an Italian architect, a British architect, a French expert and a Swiss building contractor. The Council of the League has also approved the appointment of two additional members of nationalities as yet unrepresented. As regards the second part of the question I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer given by my hon. Friend in this House on 9th February last. A large number of firms notified the Department of Overseas Trade at the time of their interest in these contracts, but I am unable to state how many British firms have effected registration or for what classes of work.
§ Captain MACDONALDCan the hon. Gentleman say how much the various countries represented on this committee have contributed towards the cost of the upkeep of the League of Nations?
§ Mr. D. G. SOMERVILLEIs it not a fact that no single British firm has got 860 a contract for the erection of any part of these buildings?
§ Mr. SMITHI do not think that all the contracts have yet been finally determined, but, as regards the earlier parts, I believe it is true that no British firms have got contracts.
§ Mr. BROCKWAYIs there a fair wages clause in connection with these contracts?