HC Deb 23 April 1923 vol 163 cc50-1W
Mr. D. G. SOMERVILLE

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India how much of the original work which was re-commended as essential by the Indian Railway Commission has been carried out; what is the value of the contracts already placed in connection with such work; and what is the proportion allotted to British or overseas firms?

Earl WINTERTON

The Acworth Committee did not recommend any particular work, but advised that rehabilitation of the railways should take precedence of further development. For rehabilitation it has been decided to spend an average of 30 crores of rupees, or £20,000,000, in each of the five years commencing on the 1st April, 1922. Orders for stores and material to the amount of £9,962,500 were placed outside India between the 1st April, 1922, and the present time. Of this total amount £9,622,500 was for orders placed with British firms, and £340,000 for orders placed abroad.