§ Lord ROBERT CECILasked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether there has recently been a serious diminution in the orders of the Indian State railways and other Indian railways for rolling stock from British firms, both in the case of maintenance and construction; what were the total values of orders placed by the Indian State railways and other Indian railways with British firms for rolling stock during the years ending 30th September, 1907, 1908, and 1909; and do the indents for railway rolling stock sanctioned by the Indian Government during the last financial year, both for the State railways and other Indian railways, represent the full requirements of the managers of those railways?
The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for INDIA (The Master of Elibank)I regret that I can answer the Noble Lord's question only so far as relates to the three railways worked by the State. The companies that work the other lines place their own orders for rolling stock, independently of the India Office. The orders for rolling stock placed through the India Office with British firms amounted in 1906–7 to £2,571,000, in 1907–8 to £1,385,000, and in 1908–9 to £1,016,000. I should explain 1006 that in the first of these years trade was exceptionally active, and urgent demands were made for more rolling stock, to meet which the Secretary of State granted an extra million pounds. Almost the whole of this grant, although it was eventually shared by both State railways and companies, is included in the figure given above. The other two totals relate to State railways only. Recently, as the Noble Lord is aware, economy has been necessary in every branch of the administration. The Secretary of State has no information as to whether the indents for rolling stock during last year represent the full demands of managers, but he will be glad to refer the Noble Lord's question to the Railway Board for any observations.
§ Lord ROBERT CECILWill that necessitate a mail there and back?
§ Mr. ANNAN BRYCEIs it not the case that all the estimates and demands for rolling stock on the other railways as well as on th State railways are sent to the Secretary of State for India, and, therefore he has all the information necessary to inform the House of Commons what orders have been given or can be given?
The MASTER of ELIBANKSo far as the last part of the question is concerned the Secretary of State for India has not the information. I will inquire of the Railway Board for the information which the Noble Lord asks for.
§ Mr. KEIR HARDIEIs it not a fact that this falling off is due to the Swadeshi movement, and will he consider whether those who are responsible for it should be deported?