asked the Minister of Works whether he proposes shortly to send a mission to the U.S.A to investigate the possibility of purchasing civil engineering and excavating machinery; who will be the members of this mission; and if they will be empowered to place orders for machinery.

Yes, Sir. At my request, arm in agreement with my right hon. Friend the Minister of fuel and Power, two representatives of the Federation of Civil Engineering Contractors, and one representative of the Contractors' Plant Association, accompanied by officers from my Department and from the Ministry of Fuel and Power, are shortly proceeding to the United States to investigate the possibility of purchasing heavy civil engineering plant, mainly excavators, and to advise on the arrangements that should be made for purchasing any such plant as it becomes available The main functions of the representatives will he advisory, but, in view of the urgent need for heavy plant for opencast coal, for hydro-electric schemes and for building materials industries, they will he empowered to purchase or to place orders for any suitable heavy civil engineering plant which is available for early delivery.

Is the Minister aware that there are British firms that are acting as agents for American manufacturers that already have all necessary information in their possession? Why are they not being allowed to make these purchases in the ordinary way, without going to the expense of sending a mission?

The urgency in this matter is to get delivery of the goods immediately, and for that reason a delegation is being sent.

Is the Minister sure that those representatives he is sending are acquainted with these machines or are they going to have to wander all round America to get information from the people who want to sell something?

The representatives have been selected because of their knowledge of the matters under consideration, and the possibility of their dealing with them.

Are those individuals definitely informed on this subject, or are they going over to investigate, and to spend more time in doing so?

My information is that they are definitely informed, and are being sent because they are capable of carrying out the job

Is the Minister aware that there is an American firm now in my constituency making these very machines? Will he consult them first?

It is in order to supplement whatever is possible that we are sending the mission.