§ MR. FIELD (Dublin, St. Patrick)To ask the Postmaster-General whether he can state the amount expended in the purchase of baskets for the Irish department of the Post Office and parcels post; whether he can state how much of this sum is expended in the purchase of baskets manufactured in Ireland; and whether any repairs are executed in Ireland.
(Answered by Mr. Sydney Buxton.) With the exception of two wicker tops for handcarts, the whole order for baskets for the Irish parcel post service will go to Irish firms. I am sorry to say the requirements this year are very small, and the cost will be under £11. I have also given to an Irish firm an order of about the same amount for baskets for use in England. Repairs are executed by Irish firms; they were paid £110 10s. 4d. on that account in 1907–8. The Board of Public Works inform me that baskets used for indoor work in the Dublin sorting office and other post offices in Ireland are obtained in Ireland at an annual cost of about £27.