§ 10. Sir JOHN HEWETTasked the Under-Secretary of State for India what is the total amount in sterling for which orders have, been placed for the supply of rails, rolling stock, and other materials for the railways in India; and what portion of the total represents orders given for the supply of articles manufactured in Great Britain?
§ Earl WINTERTONIn the case of the State-worked railways, the total amount for which orders for materials have been placed since the 1st April, 1922, is £1,735,000, of which £1,602,000 is in respect of materials manufactured in Great Britain. I am obtaining similar information with regard to the company-worked railways.
§ Captain WEDGWOOD BENNIs it not part of the policy of the Government to limit discretion in regard to these orders to British good only?
§ Earl WINTERTONNo, Sir. On the contrary, the position is that the High Commissioner has received instructions from the Government of India, not the Secretary of State, that the purchases should take place in the best market. These figures show that as a result of carrying out this order that in effect the vast bulk has been purchased in this country.