§ Mr. HANNONasked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that steel drums used in the delivery of liquid for road construction are being supplied by foreign firms, and that the British manufacturers, to meet the competition, are buying steel sheets abroad, at low prices rendered possible by the rates of ex- 215W change, for the manufacture of these drums; and, in view of the handicap to the British steel trade and as the difference in price of the drums per unit to the contractors is very small, will he see that the contracts are made contingent on British material being used throughout?
§ Colonel ASHLEYWhile it is my wish and my practice to encourage the use of British materials, I am not in a position to impose upon local authorities any such restriction as my hon. Friend suggests.