§ Mr. Hoyleasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what advice has been given to Government and local authorities in Northern Ireland to purchase British textiles.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesNo direction has been given to Government and local authorities in Northern Ireland on this subject. In practice, however, Government specifications for the purchase of textile goods provide that they must be to British standards. In addition, a 5 per cent. preference for goods manufactured in Northern Ireland applies to contracts awarded by Government Departments.
District councils in Northern Ireland have fewer functions than local authorities in Great Britain and accordingly the extent to which they purchase textiles is limited.