§ 44. Mr. Stokesasked the Minister of Supply when he will publish a list of new and secondhand excavators purchased in America since 1st January this year, showing sizes and types; and when delivery of the 367 machines ordered will be completed.
§ Mr. G. R. StraussPurchases on Government account have been made by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Works. As the list contains a number of figures, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT. The 367 machines are scheduled for delivery by the end of 1948.
§ Mr. StokesIs my right hon. Friend able to tell us how many have yet arrived, and whether he has any report from users as to whether they are satisfied?
§ Mr. StraussNot without notice.
§ Following is the list:
| Excavators purchased in the U.S.A. on Government account in 1947. | |||
| Size. | Quantity. | Equipment. | |
| ½ cubic yard | … | 118 | 4 purpose. |
| ¾ cubic yard | … | 55 | Draglines and/or shovels. |
| 2 cubic yard | … | 129 | |
| 3½ cubic yards | … | 103 | |
| 4 cubic yards or over | … | 19 | Draglines |
§ In addition import licences have been issued for $2,250,000 worth of machines and spare parts, which cannot be readily separated. It cannot be assumed, however, that all licences issued will result in purchases.