§ Mr. E. Johnsonasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that a British firm of electrical engineers, details of which have been given to him, who quoted a price to the United States Army Corps of Engineers 20 per cent. below the lowest American tender for nine transformers for the Garrison Dam, North Dakota, have been informed that, although this tender meets fully all technical requirements, the order is likely to be placed with an American firm; and what steps he is taking to assist this firm to obtain this contract, in view of the importance of dollar exports.
Mr. P. ThomeycroftInformation which I have received from the British Embassy in Washington confirms that the bid of the British firm referred to is in the neighbourhood of 20 per cent. below that of the lowest American tender. The Embassy have also been informed that the British firm, in common with other bidders, have met the specifications of the invitatioaa to tender, including the delivery schedule.
The various tenders are at present under consideration by the United States authorities and it would therefore be inappropriate for me to comment on the likely outcome. I am, however, aware that in considering tenders by foreign firms the United States authorities are 159W required to take into account the provisions of the "Buy American" Act and Regulations thereunder.
The British Embassy is maintaining close touch with the British firm and is giving them all possible assistance.