Tullamore Post Office.

HC Deb 02 July 1907 vol 177 c540

MR. HAVILAND BURKE (King's County, Tullamore)

I beg to ask the Postmaster-General whether, in view of the fact that there is an abundance of building material in the neighbourhood of Tullamore, he will use his influence to secure that, wherever possible, none but Irish materials should be specified for or employed in the building of the new Tullamore post office.

THE POSTMASTER GENERAL (MR. SYDNEY BUXTON,) Tower Hamlets, Poplar

The matter referred to concerns the Board of Public Works rather than the Post Office. I will ask that Department to consider how far it is possible to give effect to the hon. Member's wishes without increasing the cost of the work.

MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN

Is it proposed to introduce a system of preferential protection in regard to Post Office contracts?

MR. SYDNEY BUXTON

I have said local materials will be used if it can be done without increasing the cost.

MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN

The right hon. Gentleman intends to give preference to local material?

MR. SYDNEY BUXTON

When it is adapted for the work, I should think it would be an advantage to use it.