§ 26. Mr. Ammonasked the Secretary of State for India, whether his attention has been called to the difficulties placed in the way by the Indian Government of an attempt to start an Indian automobile manufacturing plant by refusing to release necessary machinery, and the provision of dollars to purchase the necessary material from the United States of America; and can the establishment of 286 such an industry be used in connection with the production of war potential?
§ Mr. AmeryThe difficulties are inherent in the situation, and I cannot accept the hon. Member's suggestion that they are due to the Government of India. The resources which the establishment of an automobile industry would draw upon are fully required for the development of India's war potential, to which, unfortunately, the project in question cannot be regarded as contributing.
§ Mr. SorensenAre any steps being taken to develop this industry as a postwar industry, in view of the very great concern in India and elsewhere about the future industrial development of India?
§ Mr. AmeryThere is no reason why those concerned should not take any steps they wish, provided that they do not at this moment draw on labour and material urgently required for war production.