HC Deb 02 March 1921 vol 138 cc1770-2
7. Mr. MANVILLE

asked the Secretary of State for India whether an order for motor car chassis required by the Govern- ment of India has been placed in Italy; and, if so, will he state the number of the chassis so ordered and their value?

Mr. MONTAGU

Orders for 144 motor vehicles of various kinds have been placed in Italy on behalf of the Government of India at a total cost of approximately £70,000.

Mr. MANVILLE

Does the right hon. Gentleman really think that in times such as these the Government of India ought to have ordered material of that sort from Italy, seeing what the position of the motor car industry is in this country?

Sir FORTESCUE FLANNERY

Is it the policy of the Government of India to buy cheaply or to assist in the employment of British workers?

Mr. MONTAGU

The Government of India have to have regard to the interests of the Indian taxpayers. They would naturally prefer to buy here rather than abroad. The circumstances connected with this particular purchase, which I understand were ambulance cars, were that there was ready a surplus stock belonging to the Italian Government, and they were required to meet an urgent demand. British firms are going to tender for the remainder of the supply.

Captain Viscount CURZON

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether these chassis were new ones or cars which had been used during the War?

Mr. MONTAGU

I understand that they were surplus stock belonging to the Italian Government, as far as the majority of the cars are concerned. I am not sure whether they were new or had been used during the War, but if my Noble Friend will put another question I will ascertain.

8. Mr. MANVILLE

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that British manufacturers are preparing special designs for motor vehicles at the request of the India Office and submitting vehicles for trial in April; and will he, under these circumstances, see that the requirements of the India Office for motor transport in India are satisfied through British manufacturers?

Mr. MONTAGU

Sample motor vehicles are being prepared by British manufacturers for trial in India. Provided that these samples prove to be satisfactory after trial, the High Commissioner will give the British manufacturers full opportunities of tendering for any supplies that may be required, and will give every attention to such tenders.