§ Mrs. Monksasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will take action to prevent Government contracts being awarded to firms which undercut the price of Lancashire cloth, to the extent of 4p a yard, by subcontracting through firms in Hong Kong.
§ Mr. Patrick JenkinI have been asked to reply.
No. The aim of purchasing departments is to obtain best value for money. Imports from Hong Kong by subcontractors fall within the textile quotas agreed with the Hong Kong authorities.