HC Deb 12 April 1948 vol 449 c40W
43. Mr. Butcher

asked the Minister of Supply why he is sending, or has promised to send, quantities of mechanical excavators to Russia; and if he is aware that English manufacturers who have ordered these machines are now being obliged by his Department to accept American excavators which are less satisfactory for the purpose.

Mr. G. R. Strauss

Excavators are to go to Russia under the agreement reached between His Majesty's Government and the Russian Government on 27th December, 1947, as a result of which we are receiving supplies of coarse grain. They are part of the export programme and would not in any case be available to the home market. My Department tries to help British users by advising them of machines which are available, but they are not obliged to accept them.