HC Deb 29 May 1933 vol 278 cc1526-8
6. Sir WILLIAM DAVISON

asked the Secretary of State for India whether, in view of the action of the Bombay Corporation requiring its contractors to use no article manufactured in the British Empire unless it could not be obtained elsewhere, the Government of India will secure that in the case of any Government grants to local authorities in India a condition will be attached that the local authority in question in inviting tenders for any manufactured articles or otherwise shall not insert any clause discriminating against goods manufactured in the British Empire?

Sir S. HOARE

It would, I think, be out of the question to insist upon a condition of this sort in connection with grants to local authorities which cover such services, for example, as education and public health. I cannot conceive any such condition being imposed on local authorities here by the Board of Education or the Ministry of Health. As Lord Lloyd stated in public a few days ago that this resolution was passed recently, I think he must have forgotten that it was passed when he himself was Governor of Bombay. The records in my Department fail to show that Lord Lloyd's Government took any action in the matter. I understand that considerations of price and quality have been ever Since, and still are, decisive with the Bombay Municipality in placing their contracts.

Sir W. DAVISON

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Government's proposals with regard to the new constitution for India are based on the assumption of co-partnership in a common enterprise; and does he think that the action of the Bombay Corporation is very hopeful in that regard?

Sir S. HOARE

I could not be expected to agree with a resolution of this kind. On the whole, however, I think that it is better to leave things as they are. The Corporation, I understand, have not acted upon this resolution. Short of passing Acts to abrogate the powers of the Corporation, I do not see what can be done.

Mr. HANNON

Is it not alike unfair of the right hon. Gentleman to bring Lord Lloyd's name into the answer to this question, when he will recall that at the time other considerations were involved?

Sir S. HOARE

I should not have made reference to my Noble Friend had he not made this statement in public a short time ago.

Sir W. DAVISON

This matter has gone on for several years. The right hon. Gentleman is now responsible for affairs in India; does he think that it is right that this state of things should continue?

Mr. SPEAKER

Sir Alfred Knox.