§ 28. Sir WILLIAM DAVISONasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether his attention has been called to the fact that £200,000 worth of rails supplied to the South African railways by Foreign firms have been condemned as useless; whether any British firms tendered for the supply of these rails; and whether he will make further inquiries in the matter?
§ Sir B. CHADWICKI understand that certain rails imported into South Africa from Europe have been found to be defective, and that the circumstances connected with them are under investigation by the Government of the Union of South Africa. I am unable to say whether these rails were supplied as a result of public tenders. I have already asked His Majesty's Trade Commissioner for a report on the subject.
§ Mr. REMERIs there any truth in the statement that the Government marks on these rails were forged?
§ Sir B. CHADWICKI have not heard that.