§ 38. Major COLVILLEasked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department if he is aware that the South African Iron and Steel Corporation, Limited, have placed orders in Great Britain for the equipment of a new steel works in South Africa at a cost of £2,500,000; and if he will inquire as to why a portion of the machinery for the contract is being sub-contracted over to German firms?
§ Mr. GILLETTThe answer to the first part is in the affirmative. As regards the second part my information is that the contract was divided between two groups of contractors. One of these was a purely British group, but the contract for the equipment of the steel works was given to a British firm who tendered in co-operation with a German firm. I see no necessity to institute any special inquiry in regard to this matter.
§ Major COLVILLEWill the hon. Gentleman take action with the South African Government to ensure that a larger share of this machinery equipment is got in this country?
§ Mr. GILLETTIt seems to me that the answer I have just given indicates that that, is what has already happened.