§ 89. Sir J. D. REESasked whether, before the Government of India grant any concession for exploring and developing the mineral resources of the Native States 39 or Protectorates or make any grant of public money to any company for the purpose of such development, it will, in the first instance, invite proposals from various British controlled companies in accordance with the usual practice governing Government contracts?
§ Mr. C. ROBERTSThe answer is in the negative. The Secretary of State sees no analogy between granting concessions and calling for tenders.
§ Sir J. D. REESDoes not the Secretary of State see the necessity for providing that British firms should have the first call on such occasions?
§ Mr. C. ROBERTSBritish firms are well able to look after themselves.
§ Sir J. D. REESIs the hon. Gentleman at all sure that British firms are able to look after themselves unless they have fair play under the Regulations concerned?
§ Mr. C. ROBERTSThey have every fair play under the Regulations: it is for them to look after themselves in this matter.