§ 9. Mr. Stokesasked the Minister of Supply why it is proposed to import 51 American excavators of 2½ cubic yards capacity at a cost of nearly £2 million for opencast work due to complete in 1952 when similar machinery could be obtained from Germany for only £1 million.
§ Mr. G. R. StraussI am discussing the question of importing excavators for opencast work with my colleagues concerned and no decision has yet been taken. If it should prove necessary to import the machines, the possibility of obtaining some of them from Germany will be taken into account.