§ 60. Mr. CONNOLLYasked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department if he is aware that the tender board of the South African Government railways are about to place orders for one million pounds' worth of locomotives, the bulk of the orders to go to German firms, and whether his Department will bring to the notice of the South African Government the superior construction and running powers of British-built engines, with a view to British firms securing a higher proportion of this work?
§ Sir B. CHADWICKI am aware that the South African railway authorities have called for and received tenders for locomotives to the value of the amount stated in the question. I have no official information as to where the orders have been placed, but it is reported in the Press that over £500,000 worth have been placed in Germany. The South African Railway Board received tenders from the United Kingdom, and must be well aware of the nature and quality of the work which British locomotive manufacturers would be prepared to supply.
§ Mr. CONNOLLYHaving regard to the preference which we give to South Africa, does not the hon. Member consider that his Department is entitled to make some representation upon this matter?
§ Sir B. CHADWICKI do not see how the British Government can make repre- 409 sentations to the South African Government on a matter which is entirely their own affair.