Foreign Vehicles for U.K. Forces ?
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A ccoRorNG to "The Economist," JTh there is a possibility of foreign manufacturers producing vehicles for the British armed forces, because of the shortage of materials, labour and factory space in this country. Falling output and lack of shipping space have already had the effect of reducing
expo rt shipments. says "The Economist," and this has caused the Government to consider foreign suppliers for vehicles needed for defence. It is said that in Belgium, France and particularly in Italy. where the Fiat works were . recently re-equipped under Marshall Aid, some manufacturers have spare capacity. The Ministry of Supply has been investigating the possibility of placing orders in those countries.
It is considered that the best course would be for foreign manufacturers to build vehicles to British specifications, but there is little chance that countries in the North Atlantic Treaty Organiza tion, including Britain, would standardize their vehicle specifications, as they have done for aircraft assembly. The Ministry's envoys have, therefore, been instructed to see whether, for example, the existing designs of Fiat vehicle would meet British Army requirements, says "The Economist." The main difficulty would be to provide spares for a foreign design.
An alternative policy under consideration is for the Ministry to place orders for vehicle components abroad. In this case, some would certainly be obtained from Germany. Supplies of electrical equipment have been scarce in Britain for some months and the shortage will become even more acute because of growing aircraft orders. It will take approximately two years to extend capacity in this country to meet the requirements of the home market.
The Civil Estimates, published last Friday, provide Lit3.7m. for armaments, vehicles, etc.