§ Mr. Shersbyasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why the police force are purchasing BMW motor cycles from Germany; if he will consult the Secretary of State for Industry about the availability of suitable British machines manufactured with the benefit of financial aid from the taxpayer under the Industry Act; and if he will make a statement.
§ Dr. SummerskillIt is for police authorities to decide in the light of the needs of their forces which motor cycles should be bought. They are well aware of the extent to which British-made machines are available, and they take into account Home Office advice, issued after consultation with the Department of Industry, asking them and chief officers of police to survey the market454W carefully before buying a foreign vehicle and satisfy themselves that no suitable British-made vehicle of comparable specification and price is available. Following that advice some authorities have tested appropriate British machines and decided, for reasons they have explained to the manufacturers, that they do not meet the force requirement. The two Departments keep in close touch in this matter.