§ 33. Captain P. MACDONALDasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he can state what steps have been taken to ensure the allocation to Great Britain of contracts in connection with the new Palace of Nations at Geneva commensurate with the annual financial contributions made by this country towards the League of Nations and whether he proposes to take any further action in this matter, in view of the fact that no contracts have yet been obtained by Great Britain in this connection, although a substantial sum of money has already been spent upon the building in question?
§ Sir J. SIMONHis Majesty's Government have done everything possible to bring the conditions of the contracts open to tender to the notice of interested British firms. Further, the Department of Overseas Trade and His Majesty's Consul at Geneva are giving, and will continue to give, assistance to such firms as invoke their aid. The allocation of tenders is being decided upon business grounds, and not upon the size of the contribution of the country to which the firm tendering belongs.
§ Captain MACDONALDIs it not the case that the countries to which these contracts are awarded are always those which are in arrears with their contributions or subscriptions, and does not the right hon. Gentleman think that unjust?
§ Sir J. SIMONI have already explained that it is not a case of awarding contracts to countries. In almost every case the tenders are open, and I have no reason to suppose that the best offer is not fairly considered. The matter is in the hands of the League, and I have explained the active part which the British Government have taken in bringing the opportunity to the notice of British firms.