§ 96. Sir RICHARD COOPERasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps were taken to obtain locomotives for the Malay States from British firms before placing this contract in the United States?
§ Lieutenant - Colonel AMERYTenders were first obtained from the leading manufacturers, but deliveries could not be promised. Shortly before actually placing the contract, the three English firms who had previously constructed engines of this type and were in possession of the necessary drawings and patterns were again asked to reconsider 1675 the matter, but could not undertake to build the engines within the time required. On receipt of this information the matter was further discussed with a representative of the Ministry of Munitions Railway Materials Department and of the English manufacturer who was in the best position to carry out the work. As a result of this conference, it was decided that the order must be placed in the United States of America in order to obtain the engines in time.
§ Brigadier-General CROFTWill the hon. Gentleman tell the House that it is the policy of the Colonial Office to give long notice of all such contracts offered in future for rolling stock and railway material in the Crown Colonies or Protectorates?
§ Lieutenant-Colonel AMERYCertainly; we shall endeavour to give the longest notice possible to enable manufacturers in this country or other portions of the British Empire to fill these contracts, but the conditions during the War have been exceptional.
§ 97. Sir R. COOPERasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies how many locomotives are wanted to complete the requrements of the railways in the Malay States; and how many have been ordered?
§ Lieutenant-Colonel AMERYFifty-eight locomotives are wanted to complete the requirements of the railways in the Malay States. Of these, twelve have been ordered in the United States of America; sixteen have been ordered in this country; a further thirty remain to be ordered.
§ Brigadier-General CROFTWill the thirty come from this country and not from any foreign country?
§ Lieutenant-Colonel AMERYI hope so.