§ MR. J. MACVEAGHI beg to ask the Postmaster-General whether he can state the total value of Post Office stores in Ireland in 1906–7 and 1907–8, and the total proportion purchased in Ireland; and whether he will take steps to secure that the system of local Irish contracts will be so extended as to cover such stores as bicycles, tools, cloths for Post Office uniform, paints, boots, waterproof bags, and other articles manufactured in Ireland.
§ MR. SYDNEY BUXTONI stated on the 23rd August last, in reply to the hon. Member for the St. Patrick Division of Dublin, that the annual value of stores used by all branches of the Post Office in Ireland is roughly estimated at £73,000, not including stationery supplied by the Stationery Office or domestic stores supplied by the Office of Works. This estimate applies to either of the two years mentioned. The stores purchased in Ireland for use there cost about £12,000 in 1906–7, and £8,650 in 1907–8. In addition, stores were purchased in Ireland for use in other parts of the Kingdom to the amount of about £3,150 in 1906–7 and £3,800 in 1907–8. Cloth for uniforms is obtained under contracts made by the War Office. As regards stores purchased by the Post Office, any competent Irish manufacturers may tender, and if the price is suitable I shall be glad to place orders with Irish firms.
§ MR. FLYNNCould not the Department establish a sample office in Ireland to which Irish manufacturers could send samples of goods they can supply?
§ MR. SYDNEY BUXTONI will consider that.