HC Deb 12 April 1932 vol 264 cc636-7
3. Lieut.-Commander ASTBURY

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he will specify that all wire used in the manufacture of cable for Army purposes shall be of British manufacture?

Mr. COOPER

It is the practice to require manufacturers, when tendering for Army supplies of cable, to state from what source they will procure the wire to be used, and a substantial preference is given to firms that use wire of British manufacture.

Lieut.-Commander ASTBURY

Can the hon. Member assure me that all the cable used shall be of British manufacture?

Mr. COOPER

I cannot undertake to give that assurance, but considerable preference will be given to British cable.

Lieut.-Commander ASTBURY

When the Government are urging all manufacturers to buy British goods, should not the Government set an example?

Mr. LAWSON

Is it not a fact that firms in this country sometimes take advantage of that fact?

Mr. HANNON

Is it not a fact that British cable is superior to any cable produced on the Continent?

Mr. COOPER

I have no doubt that that is the case, and that is why we give a preference.

Lieut.-Colonel ACLAND-TROYTE

If preference is given to British wire, why should not preference be given to British beef?

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