HC Deb 12 March 1940 vol 358 cc1000-1
50. Mr. Culverwell

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether it is the policy of His Majesty's Government to take into consideration the availability of local labour and local materials in the placing of all Government contracts?

The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Captain Crookshank)

I assume that my hon. Friend has building contracts principally in mind. It is the practice of all Departments to take into account the local supply of labour, among other considerations, in deciding on the location of new works and buildings. As regards materials, I would refer him to the answer which I gave to his Question on 22nd February.

Mr. Culverwell

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman not aware that, although the local brickyards are either working part-time or are closed, the municipal corporation a few days ago placed a contract in Bedfordshire for 60,000 tons of bricks for A.R.P. shelters, and does he not think that is a case of placing an unnecessary burden on the congested railways?

Captain Crookshank

I should like to know the full circumstances of the case, an outline of which the hon. Member has been good enough to give me.

Mr. Garro Jones

Is the Minister aware that this very question was raised in the House more than a week ago by the hon. Member, and he was then promised that the reason why 60,000 tons of railway transport are to be unnecessarily used would be looked into?

Mr. Culverwell

As this Question raises a matter of policy, I wish to give notice that I shall raise it on the Adjournment.