§ 42. Mr. MACLEANasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether all the instruments utilised on the "Queen Mary" are of British design; and, if not, can he state those supplied by foreign firms and the reason for any preference?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINAs I have previously explained to the House, I have been assured by the company that it was their aim and intention, wherever possible, to use British materials and equipment to the maximum possible extent. I am not in a position to say how far the instruments in question are of British design or manufacture, but I am confident that so far as there are any of foreign origin, they were chosen for a valid technical or commercial reason.
§ Mr. MACLEANInstead of giving us his opinion, will the right hon. Gentleman find out from the company concerned the actual facts?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI shall be happy to do so, but the hon. Member will appreciate that I have not had time to make any inquiries. Perhaps he will facilitate my inquiries and let me know what sort of instruments he has in mind.