§ 5. Mr. Doddsasked the Secretary of State for War how many four-wheel-drive tractor shovels have been purchased since 1st January, 1956; what has been the total cost; how many have been purchased from American companies or those with American connections; how many have been purchased from British companies; what was the procedure followed in inviting British firms to tender; and why no invitation was sent to a British firm, the name of which has been sent to him.
§ Mr. GodberSince 1st January, 1956, my Department has bought 540 tractor shovels at a total cost of £3.63 million, all of which were manufactured in Britain; 291 of them, at a value of £1.52 million, were purchased from a firm with American connections and 249, at a value of £2.11 million, from firms with no such connections. These tractors were bought partly by single tender and partly by competitive tender. The British firm referred to was not invited to tender because neither of the two models offered by them was considered suitable at the time.
§ Mr. DoddsBut is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that the firm to which he refers is world-famous for this sort of product? Is he not aware that if the models required for military purposes were different from those required for commercial purposes and if this firm had been told what the Army wanted—which it was not—it could have made them in a fraction of the time any of the Americans would have taken? At a time when work is badly needed, is it not essential to give 100 per cent. British firms an opportunity to produce goods for which they are world-famous?
§ Mr. GodberOf course we want to buy British equipment wherever we can, but also it is essential that we see that the Army has the best equipment possible. We have to balance these things. I can assure the hon. Gentleman that we do look most carefully to British products which come forward.
§ Mr. DoddsIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of the Answer, I give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.