§ 29. Mr. JOELasked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether his attention has been called to the fact that representatives of Dutch sugar-manufacturing and financial interests are now in Delhi negotiating for the establishment of further sugar factories which will operate with Dutch machinery; and whether any steps have been taken to instruct His Majesty's Trade Commissioner in India to draw the attention of those concerned to the desirability of considering the alternative instalment of British machinery?
§ Lieut.-Colonel J. COLVILLE (Secretary, Overseas Trade Department)While the negotiations to which my hon. Friend specifically refers have not been brought to my notice, His Majesty's Trade Commissioner at Bombay has recently called attention to the activities in India of Dutch and Belgian manufacturers of sugar machinery. The United Kingdom sugar machinery manufacturers are well represented in the Indian market, some having their own branches in the territory, and are doing all in their power to secure business. His Majesty's Trade Commissioners co- 1280 operate in every way possible with such representatives or branches in their endeavour to promote the sale of United Kingdom products. Seventy-three per cent. of the imports of sugar making machinery into India during the five months ending the 31st August last, were derived from the United Kingdom and were valued at half a million pounds sterling.
§ Sir ARTHUR MICHAEL SAMUELIn order that there may be no excuse for the introduction of Dutch machinery, will the Government make it perfectly clear that British manufacturers can supply these requirements?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEYes, Sir, it is our endeavour to make that perfectly clear.