§ Mr. R. YOUNGasked the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that 1263W encouragement has been given to dumping by his Department in that an order for microscopes has been given to an American firm at a price 20 per cent. below the price charged by the same firm in America; what is the name of the firm; how many British firms tendered to do this work who are on the King's Roll; what advantage does membership of the King's Roll confer; what is the value of the order given and what was the lowest British quotation; and do microscopes come within the definition of optical instruments in the Key Industries Bill?
§ Mr. MONTAGUI am informed by the High Commissioner for India, in whose province the matter lies, that an order for microscopes was recently given on behalf of the Indian Government to the English agent of an American firm. Tenders had also been invited from three English firms. The quotations were all referred to the Indenting Departmnt in India, who selected the tender for the American microscopes. I am not aware that the price was 20 per cent. below that charged in America. The name of the manufacturers is the Spencer Lens Company, the English agents being Messrs. Standley Belcher and Mason Tenders were received from two British firms, both of whom are on the King's Roll, as are also Messrs. Standley Belcher and Mason. It has been laid down that, except in very special circumstances, British Government Departments shall not place orders with firms that are not on the King's Roll. The value of the order given for Spencer Lens microscopes is £2,797. The lowest British quotation was £3,450. The question whether microscopes come within the definition of optical instruments in the Key Industries Bill should be addressed to my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade.