§ Sir John Farrasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs why his Department recently accepted a specification from the Ethiopian Government for road trailers fitted with German axles and suspension for famine relief purposes; what account was taken in reaching the decision of the willingness to the bid of York Trailer Holdings of Market Harborough; and what steps were taken to ascertain the extent to which that company already has such units operating in Ethiopia and supplies other countries in Africa.
§ Mr. RaisonThe specification was accepted to ensure compatibility with the existing Government trailer fleet in Ethiopia. The tender from York Trailer Holdings was unsuccessful because it failed to meet the urgent delivery date. The existence of the company's units in Ethiopia and elsewhere could not override this. The contract went to another British firm.