HC Deb 25 April 1933 vol 277 cc24-5
42. Mr. H. WILLIAMS

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is now in a, position to supply further information in respect of the discrimination against British firms in connection with the contract for the electrical installation at the new buildings of the League of Nations at Geneva?

Sir J. SIMON

I have made further inquiries and I am informed that the specifications for the electrical installation contain no reference to German or Swiss firms by name, although it is true that certain essential parts of the equipment, which must, of course, conform to Continental practice, are in fact made only by such firms. I am, however, also informed that certain British firms have experienced no difficulty in obtaining quotations for these foreign specialities. It is clear, therefore, that British firms, as such, are not debarred from submitting their tenders for the electrical installation.