§ 8. Sir A. SHIRLEY BENNasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to a specification recently issued by the Port of London Authority describing the installation of eight automatic grain weighing machines to be erected in the Port of London, in which makers are specified of British, American, and German nationality; whether the British makers are named first in the specification: and, if not, will he indicate to the authority that preference must be given in the purchase of such machinery to British manufacturers employing British workmen under the standard conditions of employment the same as in the case of other public bodies administering public funds'?
§ Mr. BALDWINMy attention has not been called to this specification. I have no power to require the authority named to purchase its plant from British manufacturers, but I have no doubt they are aware of the arguments in favour of doing so to the fullest possible extent.
Sir FORTESCUE FLANNERYWill the right hon. Gentleman consider the possibility of making representations to the Port of London Authority on this matter, as he has already made representations to the same authority on other matters?
§ Mr. BALDWINI will think of that.