§ 56. Mr. RAMSBOTHAMasked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether, in view of the fact that the Council of Jamaica recently placed an order in the United States of America for 40 special railway cars, because British firms were unable to guarantee equally prompt delivery, and that the South African Railways Administration recently placed an order in Germany for six locomotives, Class 16 D. A., because British manufacturers could not deliver by the required date, he will call a meeting of British locomotive manufacturers to consider means by which British firms may be able to deliver within the period stipulated by the purchasers and thereby secure the export orders which are now being lost?
§ Mr. GILLETTWith regard to South Africa we have not been able to ascertain that the placing of the order out of the United Kingdom was solely due to considerations of prompt delivery. With regard to the order from Jamaica, the Crown Agents for the Colonies have already been approached by my Department, and they have taken the matter up with the Jamaican authorities. In the circumstances, I do not think that 1860 at the present time any useful purpose would be served by the meeting suggested by the hon. Member.
§ Mr. A. M. SAMUELIf it is a fact that we are, unfortunately, losing so many orders for locomotives, is it not advisable for the hon. Gentleman to seek some conference with locomotive makers to see if they cannot put this matter right?
§ Mr. GILLETTWe are in communication with our agent in South Africa on this matter. In any case, I think that we had better receive an answer from him before we follow up the suggestion, but I will certainly bear it in mind.
§ Mr. MILLSDoes it follow that the hon. Gentleman who put this question is in favour of the quota system?