§ MR. HANBURYOn behalf of the hon. Member for the Western Division of Wolverhampton (Sir A. Hickman), I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India—(1) whether he is aware that the tests, requirements, and stipulations for steel for the Indian State Railways are such as are imposed by no other railways in the world; (2) whether he is aware that such stipulations add materially to the price paid, and compel the use of foreign ores and materials instead of those produced in this country; and (3) whether he will consider the advisability of relaxing these tests, so as to allow of the use on the Indian railways of British materials?
§ MR. H. H. FOWLERMy answer to the first two clauses of the hon. Member's question is in the negative. As regards the alleged exclusion of British ores and materials, I am advised that the exclusion of basic steel is confined to the case of axles, tyres, and locomotives generally; that the best class of this basic steel is accepted, with certain exceptions, for girders; and that the commoner class is freely accepted when offered for rails and sleepers, which form the bulk of the steel sent to India. In 1277 view of the great importance of securing the best qualities of material, I am advised that it would be undesirable to propose any relaxation of the existing tests.