HC Deb 09 March 1931 vol 249 cc820-1W
Mr. D. G. SOMERVILLE

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the names of the members of the purchasing commission who will under the China Indemnity Bill lay out the money in this country in the purchase of railway materials?

Mr. DALTON

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Hallam (Mr. Louis Smith) on 2nd February. My right hon. Friend is communicating a list of names of persons willing to serve on the Commission to the Chinese Government, but he must await the latter s decision before it is possible to make any further announcement.

Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLE

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether steps are being taken to secure a preference for British materials for use in connection with any part of the refund to China of the British Boxer indemnity which is to be used for railway reorganisation and reconstruction?

Mr. DALTON

The answer is in the affirmative. I would refer the hon. Member to the terms of the Agreement with the Chinese Government set out in Command Paper 3715, and to Section 2 of the China Indemnity (Application) Act.