§ 40. Wing-Commander Grant-Ferrisasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will consider relaxing 154 the rule whereby all Colonial Government purchases have to be made through the Crown Agents for the Colonies, so that local traders in the Colonies may participate in orders for Government stores.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs (Mr. Emrys-Evans)I have been asked to reply. The rules allow a Colonial Government to buy locally stores produced in the Colony or stores which, owing to special circumstances, can be bought as advantageously in the Colony as they can be ordered from abroad. The system under which goods required from overseas are normally purchased through the Crown Agents secures the best possible terms for the Colonial Governments and ensures adequate inspection when necessary before despatch. The system has been particularly valuable to the Colonial Governments during the war. My right hon. and gallant Friend considers that the existing arrangements are in the best interests of the Colonies and he sees no reason to make any change at the present time.