HC Deb 02 July 1951 vol 489 c176W
37. Mr. Nigel Davies

asked the Minister of Supply how far steps are being taken to place orders for trucks and other military equipment in Italy in view of the surplus capacity which exists in that country.

Mr. G. R. Strauss

Consideration is being given to placing orders for vehicles in Italy. Orders to the value of several million pounds for other equipment have already been placed there and other large orders are under negotiation. An office of the European Purchasing Commission, whose setting up I announced in the House on 8th May last, has now been opened in Milan and the Commission is encouraging contractors in the United Kingdom to place sub-contracts in Western Europe.