HC Deb 19 February 1924 vol 169 cc1509-10
14. Mr. LAMBERT

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he has ascertained the reasons why recent British tenders for the supply of five locomotives to the Indian State railways, and thereby to the Egyptian State railways, were higher in price than those of German and Italian firms?

Mr. WEBB

I have no information on this matter beyond that which has appeared in the public Press.

Mr. LAMBERT

Will the right hon. Gentleman institute inquiries as to why British manufacturers are unable to compete with German goods?

Mr. WEBB

I am afraid that that would be a rather wide inquiry, but I will consult the Secretary of State for India on the subject as he deals with the Indian State railways. At present I have no knowledge of what the tenders were or by what amount the British prices exceeded those of any other country.

Mr. LAMBERT

May I press my right hon. Friend that the point is that British manufacturers are unable to compete in India and Egypt with foreign manufacturers, and that, if so, this is a distinct question for the Board of Trade

Mr. WEBB

I do not at present see any reason for supposing that British manufacturers on the whole are unable to compete with foreign manufacturers.