§ 67. Mr. Doddsasked the Secretary of State for War if he will arrange for a demonstration of one of the 67 fork-lift trucks purchased from the United States of America.
§ Mr. ProfumoI should be pleased to make arrangements for the hon. Gentleman to inspect one of these fork-lift trucks, either at a suitable military establishment, or the factory where the trucks are being assembled.
§ 68. Mr. Kelleyasked the Secretary of State for War in what respect the Clark Ranger fork-lift truck was found to be superior to the Matbro product, of the same type, on the latest date when such equipment was last purchased on behalf 40W of the British Army; what were the dates upon which eligibility tests were conducted, and the decision to purchase made; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ProfumoWith regard to the first part of the Question, I would refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Erith and Cray-ford (Mr. Dodds) on 20th May, 1963. The various trucks available, including six British models, were all carefully considered at the end of 1961 and the beginning of 1962. The order for the American machine was placed on the 10th August, 1962.