§ 28. Mr. SteenTo ask the right hon. Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed, as representing the House of Commons Commission, what is his policy towards buying British products for use in the Palace of Westminster.
§ Mr. BeithBritish products are extensively used in all Departments of the House. It is the practice to purchase British products when they offer good value for money, taking into account quality, delivery and price.
§ Mr. SteenAlthough the right hon. Gentleman makes that reply, he must be aware that there is an EC directive that is applied completely unfairly and results in the House tending to buy foreign goods even though there are English goods—[HON. MEMBERS: "British".]—British goods which are as good if not better? Although the price may be a little higher, the quality is as good. Does the right hon. Gentleman agree that until all the other European countries stop buying their own goods, as France and Germany always do, we should continue to buy British goods? We should set an example in Parliament until the enforcement procedures in Europe ensure that all European countries play by the rules.
§ Mr. BeithI am not aware of any examples of British products that have been turned down on those grounds. Large contracts are subject to EC and GATT rules, which affect the placing of large contracts in a nationally discriminatory way, and the Commission must obey the law. If there are any particular cases, I hope that the hon. Gentleman will bring them to the attention of the appropriate Department.