HC Deb 11 February 1964 vol 689 cc210-1
31 and 32. Mr. Manuel

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works (1) what percentage of the total manufactures used by his Department in Scotland during the period 1960 to 1963 was purchased in Scotland;

(2) what percentage of the total furniture purchased by his Department during the years 1960 to 1963 was ordered from Scottish firms.

Mr. Sharples

About 3 per cent. of the furniture purchased by the Ministry in the three financial years ending March, 1963, came from firms in Scotland. I regret I cannot say what proportion of total manufactures used by the Ministry in Scotland was purchased there.

Mr. Manuel

Does not the hon. Gentleman agree that that is a shocking reply when Scotland has twice the rate of unemployment of the rest of the United Kingdom and yet only 3 per cent. of the furniture used by his Ministry comes from Scotland? Were Scottish firms asked to tender? Is not the hon. Gentleman aware that the standard of furniture production in Scotland is recognised throughout the United Kingdom as being of an exceptionally high quality and that furniture firms in Beith in my constituency are household names? Did they have an equal chance to tender and so procure work for that area which is listed as a development district?

Mr. Sharples

Scottish firms, of course, have equal opportunities for tendering, and Scotland shares in the general arrangements to help development districts. With furnishing, as opposed to furniture, about 43 per cent. of the floor coverings produced for the Ministry in the three financial years which ended March, 1963, came from Scotland.

Mr. Steele

Am I to understand that Hastings will now share in the greater expansion of the hon. Gentleman's Ministry and that more orders will come from Hastings?

Mr. Sharples

I do not think that Hastings comes into the subject of the supply of furniture.