§ Mr. W. THORNEasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is aware that the contractor for the construction of the Singapore naval base has placed an order for excavating machinery worth £70,000 with an American firm without an opportunity being given to British manufacturers of this class of machinery to submit tenders; and if, in view of the terms of the contract with the Government that all materials for the construction of the naval base should be procured from the United Kingdom or from sources within the British Empire, he intends taking any action in the matter?
§ Lieut.-Colonel HEADLAMI would refer the hon. Member to my reply of 8th November to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Gainsborough (OFFICIAL REPORT, Column 226).
§ Mr. TAYLORasked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the action of the contractors in charge of the construction of the Singapore naval base in ordering approximately £70,000 worth of American mechanical excavators for use on the Singapore contract; whether he is aware that British firms of long experience and established repute were not given an opportunity of tendering; and if he will take steps to secure than in all future Government contracts, whichever department they are made by, where substantial orders for new plant are involved British firms will be given an opportunity of competing on equal terms?
§ Lieut.-Colonel HEADLAMI have been asked to reply. The reply to the894W first two parts of the question is in the affirmative, and also to the last part as far as plant purchased on behalf of the Crown is concerned.