HC Deb 21 March 1940 vol 358 c2152W
Mr. A. Edwards

asked the Minister of Supply whether he will state the functions of the purchasing commission in America; the value of contracts placed by the commission up to date; and the value of orders placed, other than through the commission, since the outbreak of hostilities?

Mr. Burgin

The primary function of the British Supply Board in Canada and the United States is to place orders for munitions in those countries on behalf of the Admiralty, the Air Ministry and the Ministry of Supply when circumstances necessitate recourse to those countries. I am afraid that it would not be in the public interest for me to supply the information sought in the last part of the Question.