HC Deb 08 April 1935 vol 300 cc781-2
63. Mr. McENTEE

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that a large order for plywood panelling for the Cunard liner "Queen Mary," for which the Government subsidy is being paid, has been given to a firm in Germany; whether the plywood panelling in question is to be constructed from Empire timbers; whether any consideration was given to the wages and conditions of employment in the firm to whom the order has been given; and why this order was not given to one of the many British firms specialising in the manufacture of such panelling

Mr. COOPER

As I have previously stated, I have been informed by Cunard White Star, Limited, that it is their aim and intention to use British materials in the construction and equipment of the "Queen Mary" to the maximum possible extent. I understand on inquiry that in this particular detail, while the panelling will be made in this country, it has been thought necessary to obtain the requisite material from Germany owing to the great disparity in price.

Mr. McENTEE

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there is no country in the world where better material for this purpose can be made than in this country; that in the sending out of the inquiries some people were asked to quote who were not plywood merchants at all, and that no discretion or intelligence was shown in the sending out of the inquiries?

Mr. COOPER

I am not aware of the facts suggested in the last part of the question. As to the first part, I share the hon. Member's view that our industry should be highly protected, but there are limits to the amount of protection that any industry can be afforded.

Mr. HANNON

Are the Government definitely committed to this order, and could the material, in point of fact, not be supplied by this country?

Mr. COOPER

It is not a Government order at all. It is Government subsidised—or not subsidised, but guaranteed—on a certain amount of expenditure on the "Queen Mary." We have had an undertaking from the line that they will, where possible, use British material. In this case the panelling work, which represents the greater part of the expenditure, will have to be done, in this country, but the wood itself could not be obtained in this country without, an extra expenditure of 80 per cent.

Mr. McENTEE

Is the hon. Member aware that the wood itself can be obtained within the Empire, and that the panelling is made up of pieces of wood all of which can be obtained within the Empire and all of which can be assembled and manufactured here better than anywhere else in the world?