HC Deb 24 February 1930 vol 235 cc1842-3
13. Mr. HANNON

asked the Secretary of State for India whether any further contracts for the supply of rolling stock and other material for Indian railways are pending; and if any steps are being taken to secure that these contracts are placed in this country?

Mr. BENN

I understand that further contracts for rolling stock and other material for Indian railways are pending. The hon. Member is, of course, familiar with the rules governing these matters.

Mr. HANNON

In view of the state of unemployment in this country, will the right hon. Gentleman collect as much information from the Indian Government as to possible contracts which would give employment in this country?

Mr. BENN

As the hon. Member knows, there is a High Commissioner in London.

Mr. KIRKWOOD

Will the Secretary of State for India use his influence in order to see that as far as possible locomotive and rolling stock contracts come to this country at the present juncture when there is so much unemployment?

Mr. BENN

The hon. Member does not seem to be aware that the decision of the Government of India is governed by the resolution of the Indian Legislative Assembly, which puts Indian interests first.

Mr. KIRKWOOD

Will the right hon. Gentleman use his influence to see that we get a fair crack of the whip? I have seen that at Krupp's in Essen they were making locomotives for India when our people were idle at the time.