§ Mr. Doddsasked the Secretary of State for War how many of the military type fork-lift trucks ordered from the United States of America on 10th August, 1962, were in the first delivery on 31st January, 1963; how many have since been delivered; what was the date of the last delivery; and when the order will be completed.
§ Mr. ProfumoAlthough American components for these trucks were due to arrive with the British manufacturers in time for deliveries to start by 31st January, I find that in the event they were delayed by the strike of United States longshoremen from 23rd December, 1962, to 26th January, 1963, and the first delivery of three trucks was made on 30th March, 1963.
A total of 25 have been delivered so far. The last delivery was on 8th May, 1963. The order is due to be completed by 30th June, 1963.
§ Mr. Doddsasked the Secretary of State for War, in view of the fact that a British firm, the name and address of which have been supplied to him, could have bettered the delivery dates for the 67 folk-lift trucks of United States origin, why the firm was not invited to tender.
§ Mr. ProfumoThe machines known to be available from the British firm concerned did not meet the Army's requirements. The question of better delivery dates did therefore not arise.
§ Mr. Doddsasked the Secretary of State for War if he will give the total cost of the 67 folk-lift trucks purchased by his Department from the United States of America; and what was the cost of assembly and partial manufacture in Great Britain.
§ Mr. Profumo£247,000; and £55,000.
§ Mr. Doddsasked the Secretary of State for War if he will give details of what 110W the assembly and partial manufacture in Great Britain of the 67 fork-lift trucks of United States origin entailed.
§ Mr. ProfumoThis entails the manufacture in Great Britain of the masts, lifting-mechanism, forks and fork-carriage, lifting equipment, wheels and tyres. These components are then fitted to the engine, chassis and transmission which have been manufactured in the United States.
§ Mr. Doddsasked the Secretary of State for War why, since 1st January, 1960, a British firm, the name and address of which have been supplied to him, has only been asked to tender once when 29 contracts have been placed during this period with British firms; and how many contracts were placed abroad from 1st January, 1960, up to the present time.
§ Mr. ProfumoThe British firm concerned has been invited to tender four times since 1st January, 1960, but was not invited to do so on other occasions because the requirement was for a type of truck which the firm did not make.
Two contracts were placed overseas between 1st January, 1960, and the present time.
§ Mr. Doddsasked the Secretary of State for War how many British firms were given the opportunity to tender for the 67 fork-lift trucks purchased from the the United States of America; why they were purchased abroad; and why a British firm, whose name and address have been sent to him by the hon. Member for Erith and Crayford, was not given a chance to tender.
§ Mr. ProfumoNone. No suitable British fork-lift truck was available from production to meet this special and limited requirement.
The machine known to be available from the British firm concerned did not meet the Army's requirements.