§ MR. SAMUEL ROBERTS (Sheffield, Ecclesall)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been called to the fact that for many years past dissatisfaction has been caused by reasons of orders for mounted wheels and axles and loose tyres and axles for the Indian State and other railways being given to Continental makers; and whether he is prepared to take steps to ensure that future orders may be placed with British manufacturers.
§ MR. JOHN MORLEYI am not aware of the feeling of dissatisfaction to which the hon. Member refers. As regards purchases for the Indian State railways, orders for wheels, axles and tyres are, as a rule, given to foreign makers only when British prices are comparatively high, or when a sufficiently quick rate of delivery cannot be obtained in this country. Every case is carefully considered on its merits, and due regard is paid to possible differences in the qualities of British and foreign workmanship respectively, the result being that the great bulk of Government orders for goods of this description is placed in this country. To this practice I propose to adhere. For Indian railways other than the State railways, orders are given not by the Secretary of State in Council but by the companies who manage them.
§ MR. SAMUEL ROBERTSWill British manufacturers who tender in 235 future have a fair opportunity of getting orders?
§ MR. JOHN MORLEYI will inquire if there is any reason to suppose that the tenders are not decided on their merits.