§ Mr. Speirasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what action he takes, in cases involving his responsibilities in relation to local authorities, where an authority requires paint used by its contractors or works department to be of Scottish manufacture.
§ Mr. MaclayI appreciate the natural wish of authorities to foster Scottish industries, and I am always glad to see Scottish products succeed in competition with others on quality and price. I have not felt justified in withholding any statutory approval or loan sanction because the practice to which my hon. Friend refers has been adopted but I do not regard this practice as either desirable in itself or in the best long-term interests of Scottish manufacturers.