§ 50. Major COLFOXasked the First Commissioner of Works whether British materials are being used for the construction at the present time of the Legation buildings in South America; and seeing that the use of British materials will do much to emphasise the benefits of the recent British Trade Exhibition, whether he will see that only such materials are used?
§ The FIRST COMMISSIONER of WORKS (Mr. Lansbury)The only Legation building under construction in South America at the present time is at Lima, and in this case British materials and manufactured goods are being supplied to 1739 a substantial extent. As regard" the latter part of the question, circumstances vary to such an extent that each scheme has to be treated according to its needs. For reasons of urgency and cost, both as regards initial construction and subsequent maintenance, it would not be desirable to adopt the rigid demarcation suggested by the hon. and gallant Member.
§ Major COLFOXIs it not a fact that in this case the steel construction work is being imported from Luxemburg and not Great Britain?
§ Mr. LANSBURYI am not sure about that, but, if the hon. and gallant Member will put down a question, I will ascertain.
§ Major COLFOXWill the right hon. Gentleman find out if that is the case, and, if so, will he put a stop to that practice?
§ Mr. LANSBURYIf the hon. and gallant Gentleman will put a question down, I will send him the information direct.
§ Mr. MILLSWill the right hon. Gentleman inquire whether British water is being used to mix with the cement?
§ Mr. MANDERWill the right hon. Gentleman, at the same time, try to arrange that only Empire wines and tobacco shall be supplied to hon. Members above the Gangway?