§ 8. Mr. RHYS DAVIESasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he can now make any statement as to the allocation of the funds for work to be executed in Great Britain under the terms of the China Indemnity (Application) Act, 1931; and what proportion of orders to engineering firms resulting is now being executed?
§ Sir J. SIMONAccording to my information, the Chinese Government have approved the allocation of two-thirds of the total funds to railways and the bulk of the rest to conservancy works. The residue is to be devoted to requirements of the Ministry of Industries and the National Construction Commission. The contracts placed in this country up to the 21st December last totalled approximately £347,500. The London Purchasing Commission has, of course, continued its work since that date, but I have no details of the orders placed subsequently.
§ Mr. ANNESLEY SOMERVILLECan the right hon. Gentleman say whether there is an allocation for education purposes?
§ Sir J. SIMONI am speaking subject to correction, but I think my hon. Friend 1275 will find that that has to do with the other part of the fund, and not the part which is dealt with in this question.
§ Mr. SOMERVILLEMay I ask whether the allocation is directly in accordance with the terms of the Act?
§ Sir J. SIMONWe believe so.
§ Mr. MANDERIs the right hon. Gentleman certain that this railway material is actually being used for railway construction? It is said to have been sold on the market at a low price.