HC Deb 21 October 1954 vol 531 cc1360-1
10. Mr. Jay

asked the President of the Board of Trade what reply he has received to representations made to the United States Government about the grant of further contracts by the United States Army Department for the Chief Joseph and Dalles dams to United States firms despite tenders at lower prices by the English Electric Company.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

The United States Government in their reply confirmed that the United Kingdom firm's bids were the lowest which complied fully with the technical requirements, but stated that, after weighing all the factors involved, the bid of the domestic firm was not considered unreasonable under the provisions of the "Buy American Act."

Mr. Jay

As the right hon. Gentleman has made what he has called representations at the highest level, and as it is now confirmed that British prices were much lower, is this not a really exceedingly disappointing result?

Mr. Thorneycroft

Yes, I think it is an exceedingly disappointing result. I may say that I normally defend Americans and things American, but in this matter I must say that they have fallen below the level of events. They have made various statements about the reform of the "Buy American Act" and of an interim executive order which would put the matter on a fairer trading basis from our point of view, and I hope that they will take some action more consonant with their position as a great trading nation.

Mr. Jay

Does the right hon. Gentleman propose to make further representations in this matter?

Mr. Thorneycroft

I have made all the representations I can in this case. I do not think there is any further matter that I can draw to their attention.

Mr. Nabarro

Can we not have a "Buy British Act" which would enable the National Coal Board to buy its heavy opencast coalmining machinery from Ransomes & Rapier, Ltd. of Ipswich, instead of placing orders in America?

Mr. Thorneycroft

I think that if we all pursued these policies the world would become a very much poorer place than it is today.

11. Mr. Jay

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the grant of a transformer contract for a hydro-electric project in Arizona by the United States Department of the Interior to United States firms; whether he is aware that a British firm had tendered at a much lower price; and what representations he has made to the United States of America on this matter.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

Yes, Sir. I have had a report of the circumstances of this case from our Embassy, who were in touch with the United States authorities when the award was under consideration. On the final evaluation, the United Kingdom bid was not the lowest foreign bid; and, while I am disappointed by the decision, I do not propose to make special representations on this case.