§ Mr. TOUCHEasked the Secretary to the Treasury, whether, in view of the fact that the present stock of stamps appeared to be sufficient for only seven weeks, whereas it was formerly the practice to keep a six months' stock, and that the present contractors found it necessary to work overtime to accumulate necessary reserve stocks, he would say what precautions had been taken to guard against the risk of shortage of supplies in the event of a strike or fire on the contractors' premises?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Hobhouse)Precautions have been taken to guard against the risk of shortage of supplies in the event of a strike or fire on the contractors' premises-by reserving the right to the State in that event to obtain supplies of stamps elsewhere.
§ Mr. TOUCHEasked whether the contractors for the supply of King George V. postage stamps had experienced any difficulties with the plates manufactured by the Mint?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEThe answer is in the negative.
§ Mr. TOUCHEasked if an essential condition of the contract for the supply of postage stamps insisted on by a late controller of stamps was the maintenance by the contractors of a complete duplicate equipment of stamp-producing machinery in a fireproof place; and if this condition had been required from the new contractors?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEThe late contractors were required by the terms of their agreement to maintain reserve gumming and perforating machinery in a fireproof strong-room. It was not thought necessary to-insert this condition in the new contract in view of the provisions to which I have already referred.
§ Mr. TOUCHEasked the Secretary to the Treasury to what extent the Mint Estimates would be increased to provide plates for stamps, the cost of which was included in the late contractors' old prices for stamp production; and could he say what the actual saving, if any, was, having regard to the simultaneous tenders of the past and present contractors, after 1445 allowing for the increased estimates for the Mint for plate production, for the additional cost of control due to working by night and day, and for the waste of paper while the present contractors gained manufacturing experience?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEThe annual cost of manufacture at the Royal Mint of printing plates for the ½d. and Id. stamps is estimated at £400; and the Mint Estimates for this service will, therefore, be increased to that extent. It is not the case, however, as suggested by the hon. Member's question, that the late contractors' old prices for stamp production were free of all charges for plate making. I regret that I do not feel able to state what is the estimated saving as between the simultaneous tenders of the past and present contractors. No additional cost of control is incurred by reason of the present contractors working overtime; and, after making all due allowances, including the cost of plate making at the Mint, it is anticipated that the actual saving will be very considerable.