27. Mrs. Slaterasked the Secretary of State for Industry, Trade and Regional Development what steps he takes to promote the purchase of British, as opposed to foreign, china manufactures by establishments receiving Government grant in this country.
§ Mr. HeathBritish manufacturers accept full responsibility for promoting the sales of their products in competition with foreign producers and I would not propose to intervene.
Mrs. SlaterIs the Minister aware that this Question refers to York University which purchased German pottery and did not seek to buy British pottery? Is he aware that the money came originally from the Treasury and that I have an Answer from the Financial Secretary in which he said that the pottery was bought because of suitability, delivery service and value for money? Is he aware that the pottery industry in North Staffordshire, which has made a tremendous contribution to the economy of this country, is angry and annoyed that a public body, which receives money collected from taxes paid by the industry, should consider—[Interruption.]—That is an important matter to an importantindustry. The industry regrets that it was not given the opportunity to supply even one piece of British pottery, so that the students at the university—who receive money from the taxpayers—should be able to appreciate the type of pottery produced in this country. What action does the right hon. Gentleman propose to take?
§ Mr. HeathI realise the importance of many of the facts which the hon. 1354 Lady produces. The freedom and independence of universities in this country mean that they have the freedom and independence to make decisions of this kind. As a Minister I should not propose to interfere with that freedom. What I hope is that British firms will prove to York University that they can supply goods of equal if not better suitability and price, and with a better delivery service.
§ Mr. Ellis SmithIs the Minister aware that my hon. Friend the Member for Stoke-on-Trent, North (Mrs. Slater) has received an answer from several reputable pottery manufacturers stating that they would have quoted lower prices and that the delivery dates would have been better? Will the right hon. Gentleman undertake to make a thorough investigation in order that firms engaged in the export trade shall not receive discouragements of this kind?
§ Mr. HeathNo one is more anxious than I that our firms should not suffer discouragement, whether they are engaged in the export trade or not; but surely their purpose should be to persuade the university authorities of the advantages of their own goods?