Major DAVIESasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that a contract for 16 locomotives has recently been placed by the Indian Store Department with a German firm at the price of £65,367; that the lowest British tender was £68,319; that the extra cost of inspection in Germany will practically wipe out the difference of £2,952; that if the British tender had been accepted it would have meant the immediate employment of 120 men for a considerable period; and whether he will bring the matter to the attention of the proper authorities, urging them where such small differences are involved to adopt a policy of giving the preference to British rather than to foreign firms?
§ Mr. BENNI have been asked to reply. I have ascertained that a contract has been so placed by the Indian Store Department, but I am informed that the difference between the accepted tender and the lowest British quotation was very much higher than the additional cost of inspection abroad. The High Commissioner for India, following the practice which has frequently been explained in this House, accepted the tender which was most advantageous to India.