§ Mr. J. Hallasked the President of the Board of Trade, in view of the recent successes by German firms in obtaining contracts from the Argentine for trolley omnibuses and power station equipment, what steps he took to assist British firms in tendering for these contracts; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. P. ThorneycroftAs a result of action by Her Majesty's Embassy in Buenos Aires, the time limit for submitting tenders for the trolley-bus contract was extended. Although the United Kingdom prices were lower, the contract was obtained by a German concern which, I understand, offered quicker deliveries and more extended terms of payment. As to the contract for equipment for the power station at San Nicolas, which I assume is
190W
Statutory Quota 1948–49 1949–50 1950–51 First Features 45 per cent. Supporting Programme 25 per cent. First Features 40 per cent. Supporting Programme 25 per cent. First Features 30 per cent. Supporting Programme 25 per cent. Per cent. Per cent. Per cent. Per cent. Per cent. Per cent. Gaumont-British 48.1 32.4 34.2 23.1 32.0 22.9 Odeon … … 47.2 30.5 34.3 24.4 32.0 23.2 A.B.C. … … 47.0 31.0 36.2 25.6 31.0 27.0 that referred to by the hon. Member, Her Majesty's Government were not asked for assistance.