BUY BRITISH.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXIII, 4 March 1927, Page 2

BUY BRITISH.

DISCUSSION IN HOUSE OF COMMONS. .By Cable —Press Association —Copyright. Australian and N.Z. Cablo Association, LONDON, March 2. In the House of Commons, two questions. one by Sir G. Beckett, and the other by Mr W. Lunn, were asked m connection with Victoria’s acceptance of a local tender for four bank motives. each £2OOO more than the tender of Messrs John Fowler of Leeds, and suggesting that representations should be made to tlm Australian Government against the exclusion of English machinery. Sir R. B. Chadwick said “if the facts are as stated, ithe matter if 3 ono entirely for the Victorian Government.” : Sir G. Beckett: “Isn’t it possible to promote a better observance of iho spirit of the Imperial Conference?” Mr Lunn: “Do you behove this is the way to develop Imperial trade? I’ve seen correspondence saying ' that there are enormous barriers erected in Australia' afeainstf Messrs Fowlers!” Sir It. B. Chadwick: “I’m awnro ot that. I hav© seen the correspondence with regard to this firm, but of the total imports of locomotives in 1925, 91 per cent were British, which was rather better than in 1924. Thin is a (special case; we must not lose sight of the general figures. Mr M. H. Connolly: “Did the Leeds tender include s»ot delivery and freight?”

Sir R. B. Chadwick: “I undeYstand it was free cm rail.”

Sir -H. S. Cautley: “Would yon ’consider the propriety of cutting down the. £500,000 spent on popularising Australian trade in 1 England?” 'there was no answer.

Mr Lunn: “It is a matter which concerns the British taxpayers, as wa loan money to Australia at a cheap rate.”

"the Speaker intervened and the matter closed.