§ 1. Mr. HALESasked the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that the motor cycles used by the Calcutta police are all of American manufacture and that further orders have recently been placed for similar machines; and if he will take steps to see that in future British machines are supplied?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for INDIA (Mr. Butler)I have no information, but am making inquiries from the Government of India.
§ Mr. HALESIs my hon. Friend aware that the facts are as stated in the question, and does he not realise that it is very difficult for us to ask Indians to place orders with British firms when our own British officials are placing orders in America?
§ Brigadier-General Sir HENRY CROFTHave any general instructions been given always to give preference to British goods?
§ Mr. BUTLERI am making inquiries on that particular point, and perhaps my hon. and gallant Friend will put down a question.
§ Mr. HANNONWill the hon. Gentleman not only make inquiries but make representations to the Government of India on the very real importance of this question to this country?
Sir NAIRNE STEWART SANDEMANCan the hon. Gentleman get a note of all these contracts, and where they have been placed, and inquire into the matter?
§ Mr. BUTLERCertainly I will convey any information that I receive to my right hon. Friend, and I am sure he will pay attention to it.
§ Sir H. CROFTCan the hon. Gentleman answer my question as to whether any instructions have been given?
§ Mr. BUTLEROn that particular point I hope my hon. and gallant Friend will put down a particular question.