§ Mr. R. YOUNGasked the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that a contract for motor ambulances has been given to an Italian firm by or for a Government Department; what is the number of such motor ambulances; and what were the reasons why this work was given to a foreign firm when so many firms in this country could do the work, and thus employ many workpeople now unemployed?
§ Mr. MONTAGUI am informed by the High Commissioner for India that 115 Fiat chassis for ambulances have been ordered for India. The Government of India required immediate supply. The Fiat chassis were surplus stocks of the Italian Government, and British firms would have required months to deliver. I may add that British firms are now constructing sample vehicles of similar type to the Fiat to be sent to India for trial.