HC Deb 01 April 1958 vol 585 c1005
20. Mr. Barter

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what advice he has issued to local authorities, in connection with tenders invited by them, that specifications should not restrict tenderers to products manufactured in foreign countries where similar competitive products are manufactured in this country.

Mr. Bevins

These are matters which my right hon. Friend believes should be left to the discretion of the local authorities concerned. He has issued no advice.

Mr. Barter

Is my hon. Friend aware that the Borough of Barking recently invited tenders and issued specifications calling for 69 baths "of Hungarian manufacture," thus depriving British bath manufacturers and workers, who are already on short time, of an opportunity of competing?

Mr. Bevins

That case was brought to my right hon. Friend's attention. The position is that the importation of these baths was approved by the Board of Trade. It would run completely counter to the Government's general attitude to restrict local authorities in matters of this kind.