§ Mr. KEIR HARDIEasked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether an agreement has been concluded between the Government of Bombay and a French company for the placing of 100 first-class and 50 second-class taxi-cabs on the streets of Bombay, and whether a similar agreement has been concluded with the Government of Madras; and whether he can state why preference has been given to a French company?
The MASTER of ELIBANKThere has been no agreement between the Government of Bombay and a French company for the purpose described in the question. But the International Sleeping Car Company, which is a French company, applied for permission to establish a service of taxi-cabs in Bombay, and permission has been granted. Their cabs will be licensed by the police on the usual conditions. The company has preferred a similar request to the Government of Madras, which is under consideration. The permission given in Bombay does not confer any monopoly on the company.
§ Mr. KEIR HARDIEMay I ask whether any other offers have been received from any other companies?
§ Mr. ROWLAND HUNTMay I ask whether the hon. Gentleman can explain 592 why France, a protected country, can supply taxi-cabs to India on more favourable terms than manufacturers in this country?