asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware of the serious inconvenience which has been caused to certain Indian railways through delay in the execution of contracts for railway material which have been placed with Continental firms: and will he inquire into this matter?

Purchases of material for Indian railways directly managed by the State are made under the direct orders of the Government of India by the High Commissioner for India, who informs me that he is not aware of any inconvenience of the nature suggested having arisen. As regards railways managed by companies, no case of inconvenience from the cause mentioned has been brought to my notice, but I will make inquiry.