§ 70. Mr. QUIBELLasked the First Lord of the Admiralty for what reason timber 2148 is being purchased from Canada which was formerly bought from Russia?
§ Mr. AMMONArchangel deals have been bought in the past as a substitute for Canadian deals where the latter were not obtainable in sufficient quantities or at prices which would bring them within the preference accorded to Dominion products. At the reduced price of Canadian deals now ruling, it is more economical to purchase these deals from Canada.
§ Mr. QUIBELLDo I understand that this applies to all goods purchased from foreign countries and is chiefly a matter of finance?
§ Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLEWhy is any timber imported from Russia at all, in view of the conditions under which it is handled?
§ Mr. AMMONTimber has been imported from Russia for a great many years, and was imported under the preceding Government, both on account of price and because they were unable to get the right quantities elsewhere.
§ Mr. AMERYIs the standing rule of the Admiralty still maintained, that a definite preference on all purchases shall be given to British Empire products?
§ Mr. REMERIs it the tact that the Admiralty are still continuing the policy they have always maintained of having regard to price, consistent with quality?