§ 14. Mr. McENTEEasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he is aware that in relation to a report of the general purposes committee to the London County Council on 6th December, 1932, the Empire Marketing Board, on 14th March, 1933, wrote officially to the council congratulating them on their Imperial Preference policy; and whether the action of the Empire Marketing Board in issuing an official communication commenting on matters which are the subject of political controversy on the London County Council received its approval?
Mr. J. H. THOMASI am aware of the letter in question, which was sent by express direction of the Empire Marketing Board. It was designed to acknowledge the notable lead given by the London County Council over a long period in encouraging the use, wherever reasonably possible, of materials of British manufacture or Empire production.
§ Mr. McENTEEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that a good deal of feeling has been caused in the country in consequence of this letter, and is he aware that many local authorities who are granting special facilities to the Empire Marketing Board for advertising will not continue to do so if the Board continue to show this party bias?
Mr. THOMASI hope there will be no such construction of their action. The 2353 Empire Marketing Board is a non-party Board. They encourage, first, home produce, and then Empire produce. They wrote to a number of borough and county councils urging them to give effect to that policy, and the London County Council gave a notable lead. Surely, the Empire Marketing Board is entitled to place on record their appreciation of those services. That is all that was done. So far from any feeling being shown, I think it was quite the reverse.
§ Mr. CHARLES WILLIAMSIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is only the prehistoric section of the Socialist party who make these objections?