asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that large quantities of foreign wire nails are used in State-aided housing schemes; and if he will take steps to ensure that wherever possible articles of British make shall be specified?

The hon. Member is, no doubt, aware that, under Section 10 of the Housing (Financial Provisions) Act, 1924, the Minister of Health is prohibited from imposing any condition which would prevent materials from being purchased in the cheapest market either at home or abroad. I have, however, recently issued a circular, a copy of which I am sending to the hon. Member, urging local authorities to make use, to the utmost extent practicable, of goods and materials of home production or manufacture.

Will the right hon. Gentleman endeavour to secure that British materials shall be used wherever possible in these housing schemes?