§ Mr. Russell Johnstonasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what instructions are given to nationalised industries and public authorities generally to purchase British paper and board whenever there is parity of price, in view of the need for import-saving.
Mr. TavemeGovernment agencies purchase British products—including paper and board—whenever they are, on a balance of commercial considerations, competitive with foreign alternatives. The purchasing policies of the nationalised industries and other public authorities are not within the direct control of the Government, but they are known to follow the same line.
§ Mr. Russell Johnstonasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what value of imports of paper and paperboard, for use by nationalised industries and public authorities, has taken place during the latest six months for which figures are available; and what comparison has been made between the prices of these imports and those of similar home-produced goods.
§ Mr. TaverneI regret that these figures are not available. Government agencies —and, no doubt, nationalised industries and public authorities generally—carefully weigh comparative prices and other commercial considerations before choosing foreign products.