§ 12. Sir J. D. REESasked whether the contract for steel work of the railway bridge over the Jumna at Hamirpur has been given by the Secretary of State to an American firm whose tender was 26 per cent. under that of the lowest competing British firm; whether wages of labour are higher in America than in Great Britain; and, if so, whether the Government has under consideration the reasons which enable America to underbid Great Britain in work of this character?
§ Mr. MONTAGUI have answered many questions on this subject, giving all the information I have. I can only repeat that 1468 in allocating contracts the Secretary of State has regard only to the interests of Indian taxpayers.
§ Sir J. D. REESWill the Under-Secretary kindly answer the last sentence in the question?
§ Mr. MONTAGUClearly that is not a question for my Department. We are actuated only by the interests of the Indian taxpayer.