§ Mr. Nobleasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) whether, in the light of current difficulties in the footwear industry, he will issue directions to all publicly owned industries and enterprises to purchase British footwear, in advance of requirements where possible;
(2) whether, in the light of current difficulties in the textile industry, he will issue directions to all publicly owned industries and enterprises to purchase textiles which are British throughout, in advance of requirements where possible.
§ Mr. Joel BarnettFollowing the statement on 23rd July by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Industry, Government Departments have been asked to place their orders for textiles, clothing and footwear with British manufacturers using British materials wherever possible, having regard to both financial considerations and our international obligations. Other public purchasing bodies have been enjoined to follow the same principles. The advantages of accelerated purchasing are in general outweighed by the disadvantages.