HC Deb 16 June 1936 vol 313 c805
49. Mr. JOHNSTON

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the wireless equipment of the "Queen Mary" was provided by the Standard Company of the United States of America; whether any opportunity was given to British manufacturers to quote for this equipment; and whether he will stipulate as a condition of any State assistance by the British Treasury to further steamship building that British products shall at least be considered as to price and quality with foreign products in the construction and equipment of the subsidised ships?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I am informed that the wireless equipment of the "Queen Mary" was supplied and is operated by the International Marine Radio Company, Limited, which in its turn obtained over 90 per cent. of the equipment from the British factories of the Standard Telegraphs and Cables Company. Both companies are subsidiaries of the International Telegraph and Telephone Corporation of New York; but they are registered and carry on their operations in this country. Practically the whole of the wireless equipment of the "Queen Mary," therefore, was actually designed and manufactured in Great Britain.

Brigadier-General CLIFTON BROWN

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the whole of the oak in the "Queen Mary" came from estates in Sussex?