§ 11. Mr. Farrasked the Minister of Overseas Development to what extent contractors employed by the Commonwealth Development Corporation are required to use British equipment.
§ Mr. GreenwoodThe Corporation is not always in a position to require contractors to use British equipment, but it 1562 is certainly the Corporation's policy to prefer it when it is available on competitive terms.
§ Mr. FarrI am grateful to the right hon. Gentleman for that reply, but would he bear in mind that it appears that some of the representatives of C.D.C. are not aware that, where possible, British equipment should be utilised? As the taxpayer has a very big stake in C.D.C, it is not very much to expect this particular use.
§ Mr. GreenwoodI appreciate what the hon. Gentleman says. The difficulty is that in some cases the Corporation is in partnership with overseas Governments, and regard must be had to the sources of finance available, but the Corporation generates exports from this country to a total of about £11 million a year. Therefore, the Corporation is aware of this, but I will ensure that the Question and Answer are communicated to the Chairman of the Corporation.