§ 23. Mr. Woodnuttasked the Minister of Technology if he will state the date on which Royal Ordnance factories and other Service departments were instructed to buy British machine tools in preference to foreign, in cases where British machines were suitable.
§ Dr. BrayNo such instruction has been needed. It has always been the policy of the Government that the Royal Ordnance factories and other Service Departments should buy British machine tools when they are suitable and available when required and at a competitive price. About a year ago purchasing departments started to consult the Ministry of Technology before placing any substantial orders for imported machine tools.
§ Mr. WoodnuttI thank the hon. Gentleman for confirming what I already knew. Would he say why he completely misinformed me in the House on 11th April by telling me that such instructions had been given? [HON. MEMBERS: "Oh."] Would he agree that there is a balance of payments benefit to be gained, in cases where we are beaten on a contract by a very small amount, by introducing something like the Buy American Act to persuade people to buy British when British machine tools are available?
§ Dr. BrayI do not believe that I in any way misled the hon. Gentleman, as he will find out if he reads the OFFICIAL REPORT of what I said. As to the question of any preference being given, this is a very wide question affecting Government procurement in general and does not arise on this Question.