MR. J. LOWTHER (Kent, Thanet)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India by whose authority writing paper for official use at the India Office has been purchased abroad, to the exclusion of British and Indian manufacturers and workmen?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR INDIA (Lord G. HAMILTON,) Middlesex, BalingAll writing paper used at the India Office is procured from the Stationery Office, and the India Office has no control over the sources of supply. I have, however, ascertained that it is all manufactured in the United Kingdom,' with the exception of what is used for typewriting purposes. This has hitherto been of a pattern which, I believe, is supplied only by the American firm which makes the typewriting machines that are used in the public service generally; but if the Stationery Office can supply a satisfactory article of British manufacture, it will be readily accepted by the India Office.